As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, there’s nothing better than gathering around a table with friends and family to enjoy a delicious meal. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a mouth-watering duck dish?
Whether you’re looking for a classic roast duck recipe or something a little more adventurous, we’ve got you covered.
Check out our list of the best side dishes for duck at Christmas and find the perfect pairing to your main course.
1. Roast potatoes
Christmas dinner is the perfect time to showcase a crowning glory of the roast potato.
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, roast potatoes are a must-have alongside your Christmas duck.
But getting them right isn’t always so easy.
Too often they’re either undercooked and lumpy, or overcooked and soggy.
No matter, this recipe will help you to achieve the perfect roast potatoes, with a crisp outer layer and a light, fluffy centre.
The secret is in the preparation.
First, peel and chop your potatoes into even chunks.
Then parboil them in salted water, before shaking them in a colander to roughen up the edges.
Finally, roast them in hot duck fat, turning them halfway through cooking.
The result is a golden, crispy potato that’s packed with flavour.
Serve them alongside your Christmas duck and enjoy!.
2. Caramelized onions
Caramelized onions are a classic side dish for duck at Christmas and other special occasions.
They’re made by slowly cooking sliced onions in butter or oil until they’re soft and golden brown.
The onions take on a rich, sweet flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Caramelized onions are a versatile side dish that can be served with many different main courses.
They’re particularly well-suited to duck, as the sweetness of the onions complements the rich flavor of the duck.
They’re also a great side dish for other poultry, such as chicken or turkey, and for meat dishes like steak or lamb.
In addition to being a delicious side dish, caramelized onions are also a healthy option.
They’re low in calories and packed with nutrients, including fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
They can also help improve digestion and boost your immune system.
3. Braised red cabbage
When you think of cabbage, you probably think of coleslaw or a roast dinner.
But this braised red cabbage is a whole different (delicious) story.
It’s sweet and tender, with a beautiful colour and flavour that comes from a careful balance of vinegar, sugar, and spices.
It’s perfect alongside roast meats and sausages, and makes a great alternative to the more traditional roast vegetables.
Best of all, it’s so easy to make.
Just throw all the ingredients in a pan and let them simmer away.
There’s not much that can go wrong!.
It is one of the best side dishes for duck at Christmas.
4. Grilled or roasted asparagus
Asparagus is one of the most beloved side dishes to serve with duck.
It can be prepared in a number of ways, but grilling or roasting is the best method to bring out its naturally sweet flavor.
Simply toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling or roasting.
If you want to add more flavor, you can also add some garlic or other spices.
Roasting asparagus is very easy.
Simply arrange the spears in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
Grilling asparagus is also very easy, but if you want to add a little extra flavor, you can baste the spears with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic before putting them on the grill.
5. Cranberry sauce
Cranberry sauce is a traditional Christmas side dish that pairs perfectly with roast duck.
This sauce is packed with the sweet and sour flavor of cranberries, which pairs perfectly with the rich and fatty flavor of the duck.
The sauce is also very easy to make, which makes it a great option for a busy holiday meal.
Some people also enjoy the tart flavor of cranberry sauce, which can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the duck and other holiday dishes.
Cranberry sauce is also a healthy option, as it is packed with antioxidants and other nutrients.
In fact, cranberries are one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits, which can help to protect against the damage caused by free radicals.
They are also a good source of vitamin C and fiber.
So, cranberry sauce can be a guilt-free addition to your holiday menu.
Summary
All of these side dishes are great options to serve with duck at Christmas.
Roast potatoes are a classic choice and pair well with the rich flavor of the duck.
Caramelized onions add a savory sweetness that compliments the duck.
Braised red cabbage is a festive option that adds color and texture to the plate.
Grilled or roasted asparagus is a healthy choice that adds a fresh, green flavor.
Cranberry sauce is a traditional option that pairs well with the duck.
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