Duck Prosciutto
Charcuterie

Duck Prosciutto

10.50
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Where this dish comes from

Duck prosciutto is an Italian-American charcuterie tradition rooted in the broader European practice of dry-curing whole muscle cuts without heat. While pork prosciutto crudo from Parma and San Daniele holds DOP status, cured duck breast appears across northern Italy β€” particularly in Veneto and Friuli β€” where duck farming has been integral to the agricultural economy for centuries. The technique migrated to the United States with Italian immigrants and became a staple of artisan charcuterie programs. Unlike pork, duck breast cures in a matter of days rather than months due to its smaller mass, making it accessible for restaurant house-cure programs.

Make it at Home

Duck Prosciutto, the way we make it

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Make it at home

Ingredients
  • *For the duck prosciutto cure:**
  • 2 duck breasts (magret preferred), skin on, ~10–12 oz each
  • 3 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp coarse cracked black pepper
  • Β½ tsp dried thyme
  • Β½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 bay leaves, crumbled
  • *For plating:**
  • 1 cup microgreens or baby arugula
  • 2 tbsp good extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
  • ΒΌ cup candied walnuts or hazelnuts
  • ΒΌ small cantaloupe, sliced thin (optional)
  • Coarse black pepper to finish
  • Flaky sea salt to finish
Instructions
  1. 1

    **Cure the duck:** Mix salt, sugar, pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, and crumbled bay leaves in a small bowl. Pat the duck breasts dry. Coat all sides evenly with the cure mixture, pressing it into the flesh.

  2. 2

    **Wrap and refrigerate:** Wrap each breast tightly in cheesecloth or place uncovered on a rack set over a sheet tray. Refrigerate uncovered (or loosely covered with cheesecloth) for 3–5 days, turning once daily. The surface will dry and darken β€” this is correct.

  3. 3

    **Check the cure:** The duck is ready when it feels firm throughout with slight give, similar to a firm slice of salami. Pat away any excess surface salt.

  4. 4

    **Rest before slicing:** Remove from the refrigerator 10 minutes before serving. Using a very sharp slicing knife, cut paper-thin slices against the grain, keeping the fat cap intact on each slice.

  5. 5

    **Dress the greens:** Toss microgreens or arugula with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt just before plating.

  6. 6

    **Plate:** Fan 6–8 slices of duck across a chilled board or plate. Mound the dressed greens alongside. Arrange cantaloupe slices if using.

  7. 7

    **Finish:** Scatter candied nuts over the board, drizzle balsamic glaze lightly over the duck, then finish with the remaining olive oil and a crack of coarse black pepper. Serve immediately at cool room temperature.

Matteo's Β· Senoia, GA
Matteo's70 Main St, Senoia, GA6785523919
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