
Duck confit is one of those dishes that feels impossibly luxurious, and the good news is that every single ingredient here is completely free of fermented or leavened components — no hidden additives, no store-bought shortcuts that sneak in unwanted extras. The process starts with a simple overnight cure of salt, pepper, fresh thyme, bay leaves, and smashed garlic, which draws out moisture and builds deep, savory flavor before the duck ever hits the oven. Low-and-slow cooking in rendered duck fat transforms the legs into something almost silky — the meat pulls from the bone with zero resistance and carries that rich, herb-scented depth all the way through. The real payoff comes in the final step: a screaming-hot cast iron skillet renders the skin into a shatteringly crisp, golden shell that crackles with every bite. A pinch of flaky sea salt at the end is all it needs. This is the kind of recipe that looks like it came out of a French bistro kitchen but relies entirely on whole, clean ingredients you can trust. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this one absolutely delivers.
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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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