Authentic Czech Pečená Kachna Recipe: Delicious Roasted Duck with a Twist

Ingredients

1 whole duck (4-5 pounds)
2 tablespoons of caraway seeds
2 tablespoons of marjoram
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
5 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 large onions, quartered
2 pounds of sauerkraut
2 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced
2 cups of dark Czech beer

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Rinse the duck inside and out with cold water, then pat dry using kitchen towels.
In a small bowl, combine the caraway seeds, marjoram, salt, pepper, and crushed garlic. Rub this mixture all over the duck, inside and out.
Stuff the quartered onions into the cavity of the duck. Place the duck, breast side up, on a rack in a roasting pan.
Roast the duck in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
While the duck is roasting, prepare the sauerkraut. Rinse the sauerkraut in cold water and squeeze out excess liquid. Mix the sauerkraut with cored and sliced apples.
After 1 hour of roasting, remove the duck from the oven. Spread the sauerkraut and apple mixture around the duck in the roasting pan.
Pour the Czech beer over the duck and sauerkraut.
Return the pan to the oven and continue to roast for an additional 2 hours, or until the duck's skin is crispy and the meat is tender.
Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. Serve the duck with the sauerkraut and apple mixture on the side.

Tools for making

Roasting pan - A large, deep pan used for roasting the duck in the oven.
Rack - A metal rack that fits inside the roasting pan, used to elevate the duck so it cooks evenly.
Kitchen towels - Absorbent towels used to pat dry the duck before seasoning.
Small bowl - A bowl for mixing the spices and herbs for the duck rub.
Knife - A sharp knife used for quartering the onions and carving the duck.
Cutting board - A sturdy surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Measuring spoons - Utensils used to measure precise amounts of caraway seeds, marjoram, salt, and pepper.

Recipe variations

Use different spices for the rub, such as paprika, thyme, or rosemary.
Add sliced bacon on top of the duck before roasting for added flavor.
Replace sauerkraut with red cabbage for a sweeter and tangier taste.
Stuff the duck with a combination of herbs, such as sage, parsley, and thyme.
Add orange or lemon zest to the rub for a citrusy twist.
Instead of beer, use red wine or chicken broth to moisten the duck and sauerkraut.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the beer with gluten-free chicken broth or apple cider.
Make it vegetarian by replacing the duck with a whole roasted cauliflower or tofu, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Add roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts, to the roasting pan for a one-pot meal.
Experiment with different types of apples for varying levels of sweetness and tartness in the sauerkraut.

Recipe overview

Discover the delicious flavors of traditional Czech cuisine with this Pečená kachna recipe. This dish features a whole roasted duck that's generously seasoned with aromatic caraway seeds, marjoram, and garlic, then roasted to perfection until its skin becomes wonderfully crispy and the meat deliciously tender. The duck is served alongside a flavorful combination of sauerkraut and apples, all beautifully braised in dark Czech beer. The recipe takes about 3 hours to complete, but the supremely tasty results are well worth the wait. Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of the Czech Republic and impress your guests with this savory and satisfying dish.

Common questions

How long does it take to roast the duck?
Roast the duck in the preheated oven for 1 hour, then continue to roast for an additional 2 hours, or until the duck's skin is crispy and the meat is tender.
How should I prepare the sauerkraut?
Rinse the sauerkraut in cold water and squeeze out excess liquid. Mix the sauerkraut with cored and sliced apples.
What type of beer should I use?
Use a dark Czech beer for this recipe.
Can I substitute the duck with another meat?
While this recipe is specifically for duck, you can certainly try using a different poultry, such as chicken, if you prefer.
Should I cover the duck while roasting?
No, it is not necessary to cover the duck while roasting. Leave it uncovered to allow the skin to crisp up.
Can I prepare the sauerkraut and apple mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauerkraut and apple mixture ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.

Serving dishes and utensils

Roasting pan - A large, sturdy pan used for roasting the duck in the oven.
Rack - A wire rack that fits inside the roasting pan and elevates the duck, allowing it to cook evenly.
Kitchen towels - Used to pat dry the duck before seasoning.
Small bowl - To combine the spices for rubbing on the duck.
Knife - For carving the duck after it has been cooked.

Origin stories

Pečená kachna, or Czech roasted duck, is traditionally served in the Czech Republic during celebrations and festive occasions. Its history dates back hundreds of years, when it would have been cooked in clay ovens by farmers who raised their own ducks. But here's a curious fact: despite the strong tradition of roasting ducks in the Czech Republic, the country is not a major producer of ducks. That distinction belongs to China, which produces more than three-quarters of the world's ducks. So how did the Czech people come to love their roasted duck so much? The answer might lie in the beer - the Czech Republic is the world's largest consumer of beer per capita. The unique flavor of Czech beer, used in the recipe for Pečená kachna, gives the dish a distinctive flavor that's hard to resist. So, when you take your first bite of this succulent dish, remember, you're not just tasting a meal, but a time-honored tradition, flavored by one of the world's greatest beer-drinking nations.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.