When it comes to Food and Cuisine Central France/Perigord/Dordogne/Duras
is an a geographical intersection that results in this region being a gastronomic centre
in France. On one hand you have abundant supplies of beef and dairy products—cream and
cheese; and on the other geese and ducks plus truffles with farmed trout thrown in for good
measure. The result is that the region has become renown for rich dishes made with locally
grown products.
Tour visits to local village markets lets you get the true flavour of the essential
“fresh is best” element of French country cuisine. The Markets are great places to regional
producers who are always happy to share a little taste of their know-how!
About Duras Food
Duras has much on common with the cuisine of its neighbours Bergerac and Bordeaux. brings together wonderful combination of wine and cuisine such the the sweet wines
of Monbazillac and pate de foie gras (duck or goose liver pate) for the perfect start to any
meal. Or combine semi-sweet wines of Coter du Duras with blue cheese or strawberries.
Look for Confit de Canard and Confit d’oie which are duck or goose joints cooked very slowly
in their own fat. Also common are Ballotines (warm dishes of boned, stuffed, pressed poultry)
and Galantines (the cold equivalents). Walnuts abound and walnut oil, Huile de Noix, is used
in salads and seasonings—gives a delightful aroma to all cooking. Walnut cakes are popular
Pork is a favourite meat along with beef in Central France. With an abundance of
corn pork has dropped in price and is readily available. Duras town has a number
of cafes with outdoor dining - the perfect sunny lunch spot with a dish of trout on the menu.
All through France you will find great patisseries each with its own regional speciality,
but it is hard anywhere to resist the tarte de crème anglaise avec les fraises, custard tart
with strawberries and a fresh pot of coffee
Eating in Duras
A selection from the meals enjoyed in Duras.
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Confit de canard aux pommes de terre Confit of duck with potatoes
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 750 gm tin confit de canard pieces
4 potatoes
4 tomatoes
2 large onions
Salt & ground black pepper
Basil, leaves only
Method:
- Pre-heat oven to 160 degrees C.
- Warm the tin in hot water to soften fat.
Remove the canard pieces from the tin and place on an oven tray in oven for 15 minutes
- Heat pan and add duck fat from tin. Slice unpeeled potatoes. Approx.5 mm thick, wash to
remove starch and fry until golden brown. Remove, drain on paper towel and place on oven tray in oven.
- Fry sliced onions in fat in pan until soft and transparent . Add 200 mls red wine, heat and reduce.
- While duck & potatoes are in oven, prepare tomato sauce.
Place tomatoes in simmering water until skins crack, remove, cool with cold water and remove
skins. Cut into chunks. Heat in pan until soft, season.
To serve:
Place a bed of onions in centre of heated plate. Put sliced potatoes on one
side and tomatoes on the other. Place duck directly from the oven on top.
Garnish with basil or parsley. Serve with a Duras red wine and plenty of French bread.
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Chef’s tips
- We use our own confit de canard,
but the tinned product is excellent
- Don’t overheat the duck —it only needs heated through
- Keep the duck fat as it is excellent of potatoes etc.
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