Pato no Tucupi
A traditional Amazonian dish featuring tender duck slow-cooked in a vibrant, tangy yellow cassava sauce (tucupi), infused with garlic and finished with the unique, mouth-tingling herb jambu. The characteristic tingling sensation from the jambu is a hallmark of this dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 approx. 1.5-2 kg Whole duck
- 1.5 L Tucupi (fermented cassava liquid)(Ensure it's food-grade and properly processed. If using pre-packaged, check instructions.)
- 200 g Jambu leaves
- 6 cloves Garlic
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- a small bunch Chicory leaves
- for serving Cooked white rice
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the duck: Pat the duck pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper. If you have time, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. This helps the seasoning penetrate.
⏱️ 15 minutes (plus optional marinating time) - 2
Sear the duck: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) over medium-high heat. Sear the duck pieces in batches until golden brown on all sides. This step builds flavor and texture. Remove the duck pieces and set aside.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Boil the tucupi: Pour the tucupi into the same pot. Add the minced garlic. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. It is crucial to boil the tucupi vigorously for at least 10-15 minutes to neutralize any potential toxins present in raw cassava products. The liquid should reduce slightly and thicken a bit.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 4
Simmer the duck: Return the seared duck pieces to the pot with the boiling tucupi. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. The duck should be tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours - 5
Add the jambu: In the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, stir in the washed jambu leaves. They will wilt quickly. Cook just until the leaves are tender but still vibrant green. Overcooking will diminish their unique tingling effect.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes - 6
Rest and serve: Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld. Ladle the duck and tucupi sauce over mounds of fluffy white rice. Garnish with fresh chicory leaves for a peppery contrast.
⏱️ 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The tingling sensation from jambu is normal and a key characteristic of Pato no Tucupi. It should be a pleasant, mild numbness.
- ✓Properly boiling the tucupi is essential for safety. Ensure it reaches a rolling boil for the recommended time.
- ✓The duck can also be roasted separately until almost cooked, then added to the tucupi to finish simmering, which can yield a crispier skin.
- ✓This dish is a traditional centerpiece for the Círio de Nazaré festival in Belém, Pará, Brazil.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of butter or a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking (though this is not traditional).
- Some recipes include other aromatic vegetables like onions or bell peppers, sautéed before adding the tucupi.
- Adjust the amount of jambu to your preference for the tingling sensation.