Pumpkin and Duck Breast Bake: A Stunning Centerpiece
Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Duck Bake: The Star of Your Dinner Party!
Looking to impress your guests with a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? This Pumpkin and Duck Bake is the perfect centerpiece, transforming your table into a blooming garden! The delightful combination of savory duck and sweet pumpkin is sure to please everyone, from kids to adults. Get ready to create a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make!
Ingredients- 2 small or 1 large pumpkin
- 200g smoked duck breast or leg meat
- 1/2 onion
- 1/3 red bell pepper
- 1/3 yellow bell pepper
- 1 handful mozzarella cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Since we’ll be enjoying the pumpkin skin, wash it thoroughly using baking powder to ensure it’s perfectly clean. Scrub the skin well to remove any dirt.
Step 2
Microwave the cleaned pumpkin for 3 to 5 minutes to partially cook it. Adjust the time based on the pumpkin’s size: 3 minutes for small pumpkins, 5 minutes for larger ones. This makes it much easier to remove the seeds and scoop out the flesh later.
Step 3
Carefully remove the pumpkin from the microwave and let it cool slightly. Then, use a knife to gently cut off the top portion. Scoop out the seeds and any stringy bits to create a hollow cavity. For a neater result and easier scooping, you can make pentagonal cuts around the top before lifting it off. Be gentle to avoid crushing the pumpkin.
Step 4
Prepare the filling ingredients. Slice the smoked duck into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the onion and bell peppers (red and yellow) to a similar size. Cutting all the filling ingredients to a uniform size ensures they cook evenly and provide a pleasant texture.
Step 5
While it’s delicious to simply pan-fry the duck and vegetables, seasoning the filling well is key to ensuring the flavors permeate the sweet pumpkin flesh. This step elevates the taste of the entire dish.
Step 6
Heat a pan and add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. Add the sliced smoked duck and diced vegetables, then stir-fry over medium heat until everything is well combined and fragrant. Sauté until the duck releases some of its oils and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 7
Carefully spoon the cooked duck and vegetable mixture into the hollowed-out pumpkin cavities, pressing gently to fill them. Place the stuffed pumpkins in a steamer basket and steam for 20-30 minutes. Smaller pumpkins will take about 20 minutes, while larger ones may need up to 30 minutes. ♨ Tip: For an extra cheesy layer, add a handful of mozzarella cheese into any gaps during the last 10 minutes of steaming.
Step 8
Once steamed to perfection, carefully slice the Pumpkin and Duck Bake into generous portions. The vibrant colors of the pumpkin, duck, and vegetables create a visually stunning presentation, much like a beautiful flower.
Step 9
With its impressive visual appeal and delicious flavor, the Pumpkin and Duck Bake is the ultimate choice for dinner parties or housewarming gatherings! This recipe is simple enough for even novice cooks to achieve fantastic results. Reduce your entertaining stress and delight your guests with this delightful dish. See you soon with more delicious recipes! ♥
