World of Gnocchi

Duck Gnocchi

Duck ragù has the richness of a slow-cooked meat dish without needing cream or a thick layer of cheese. Soft shreds of duck and their dark sauce settle between the gnocchi.

A small cast-iron pan of shredded braised duck in rich brown sauce resting on a trivet, with one golden-brown cooked duck leg alongside in the same pan.

More than a poultry sauce

Duck has a stronger, fuller flavor than a mild chicken sauce. Red wine, aromatic vegetables, thyme, and bay give the ragù depth without making it sweet. The meat becomes part of the sauce, rather than a sliced piece served on top.

Why potato is a good match

Plain potato gnocchi offer a quiet background for that rich sauce. Their tender centers contrast with the strands of duck, and a shaped surface carries the coating. Parsley gives the finished bowl a fresh note; Parmesan adds a salty accent rather than becoming the main flavor.