
Duck confit is one of those dishes that feels almost impossibly luxurious, and the good news is that this version is completely free of tomatoes, peppers, and other nightshade ingredients that sneak into so many restaurant preparations and store-bought sauces. The technique here does all the heavy lifting — a simple overnight cure of salt, black pepper, thyme, bay leaves, and garlic builds deep flavor before the duck ever hits the oven. Low-and-slow submersion in rendered duck fat transforms the legs into something extraordinarily tender, the kind of meat that practically sighs off the bone. That final sear in a screaming-hot cast iron skillet is where the magic really happens, rendering the skin into a shatteringly crisp, golden shell that makes the whole dish feel restaurant-worthy. A pinch of flaky sea salt at the end is the only finishing touch you need. It's a recipe that rewards patience, and every single step is built around clean, whole ingredients with nothing hidden to worry about.
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Pat the duck legs completely dry with paper towels. Rub each leg all over with the kosher salt and coarsely ground black pepper. Arrange them in a single layer in a baking dish and tuck the thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and smashed garlic cloves around and under them. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
Remove the duck legs from the refrigerator and brush off any excess salt and aromatics. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 225°F (107°C).
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