Creative Recipes for Goose Confit to Elevate Your Meals

Goose confit is a classic French dish that transforms the rich, flavorful meat of goose into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. The slow cooking method in its own fat results in juicy, flavorful meat that can be used in various dishes. Whether you’re using leftover goose or preparing it as the centerpiece of your meal, goose confit offers endless possibilities. In this guide, we’ll explore creative recipes that elevate your meals, showcasing the versatility of goose confit while pairing it with bold, complementary flavors.

Goose Confit Recipes 

1. Goose Confit with Orange and Herb Glaze

The sweetness of orange combined with fresh herbs creates a beautiful glaze that complements the richness of the goose confit. This recipe offers a sophisticated twist, perfect for impressing guests or serving at a special occasion.

The cooking technique of confit is an ancient method primarily used for preserving meat by salting it and then cooking it slowly in fat, which tenderizes and enriches the flavors of the goose.

Ingredients: Goose Fat

• 4 goose legs confit 

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice

• Zest of 1 orange

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, honey, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until it thickens, about 10 minutes.

2. Season the Confit: While the glaze is reducing, season the goose confit with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

3. Crisp the Skin: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the confit legs in their own fat, skin-side down until the skin crisps up and becomes golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Glaze the Confit: Drizzle the orange glaze over the crispy duck legs and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Serve: Serve the goose confit with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. A light salad with citrus dressing pairs wonderfully with the richness of the dish.

2. Goose Confit Tacos with Mango Salsa and Lime Crema

For a casual but impressive dish, goose confit tacos bring together the richness of the meat with the bright, fresh flavors of mango salsa and lime crema. It’s perfect for a fun dinner or even a gourmet twist on taco night.

Goose breasts can also be used in various creative recipes beyond traditional dishes, such as poppers, charcuterie items, and even brined or confit preparations to enhance their flavor.

Ingredients: Goose Legs

• 2 goose legs confit 

• 8 small corn tortillas

• 1 mango, diced

• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 jalapeño, chopped (optional)

• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon lime zest

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Prepare the Mango Salsa: In a small bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Stir well and set aside.

2. Make the Lime Crema: In another bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and refrigerate.

3. Crisp the Confit: Remove the meat from the confit legs and shred it, discarding the bones. In a hot skillet, add the shredded goose meat and cook it until the edges are crispy and golden, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas and fill them with the shredded confit, mango salsa, and a drizzle of lime crema.

5. Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with extra lime wedges for added brightness.

3. Goose Confit Salad with Arugula, Pear, and Blue Cheese

This elegant salad combines the richness of goose confit with the freshness of arugula, the sweetness of pear, and the tang of blue cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a great starter for a dinner party or a light but satisfying meal. Goose confit, being a rich dark meat, enhances the salad's flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 goose legs confit 

• 4 cups arugula

• 1 pear, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Prepare the Confit: Shred the goose confit meat, discarding the bones and skin. Set aside.

2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, sliced pear, crumbled blue cheese, and toasted walnuts.

3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

4. Toss the Salad: Add the shredded goose confit to the salad and drizzle with the dressing. Toss gently to combine.

5. Serve: Serve immediately as a light lunch or starter. The combination of rich confit with the fresh ingredients creates a delightful contrast of flavors.

4. Goose Confit Shepherd’s Pie

Take the classic comfort food to the next level with goose confit. This hearty dish uses the tender, flavorful meat of confit to create a rich filling, topped with a golden mashed potato crust.

Just as corned beef is used in traditional recipes to enhance flavor and preserve the meat, goose confit brings a unique depth and longevity to shepherd’s pie.

Ingredients:

• 4 goose legs confit 

• 2 cups cooked mashed potatoes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons duck fat

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 1 cup chicken or goose broth

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Prepare the Filling: Remove the meat from the confit and shred it. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute.

2. Add the Broth: Gradually add the broth, stirring to combine, until the mixture thickens slightly. Add the peas, shredded confit, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the goose confit mixture into the bottom of a baking dish. Top with a thick layer of mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly across the top. Use a fork to create texture on the surface of the potatoes.

4. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp the top.

5. Serve: Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool slightly before serving. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist.

5. Goose Confit Pizza with Fig Jam, Arugula, and Goat Cheese

For a more casual yet creative dish, goose confit can be the perfect topping for a gourmet pizza. The combination of sweet fig jam, creamy goat cheese, and fresh arugula adds layers of flavor that perfectly complement the richness of the confit. Alternatively, consider using goose pastrami as a unique topping to enhance the culinary experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 goose legs confit 

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 tablespoons fig jam

• 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled

• 1/2 cup fresh arugula

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt mixture

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Prepare the Confit: Shred the goose confit meat, discarding the bones and skin. Set aside.

2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and prepare a baking sheet or pizza stone.

3. Assemble the Pizza: Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Spread a thin layer of fig jam over the dough as the sauce. Top with shredded goose confit, crumbled goat cheese, and thinly sliced red onion.

4. Bake: Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

5. Finish with Arugula: Once the pizza is out of the oven, scatter fresh arugula over the top for a burst of freshness and flavor.

6. Serve: Slice and serve the pizza immediately for a unique and delicious twist on a classic dish.

Conclusion

Goose confit is a luxurious, versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide variety of meals. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish with an elegant glaze or incorporating it into pizzas, tacos, or salads, goose confit brings out the rich, savory flavors of wild game while offering a unique twist on classic recipes. These creative dishes will not only impress your guests but also allow you to make the most of this flavorful, tender meat. Experiment with these recipes, and you’ll soon discover just how versatile and delicious goose confit can be. Additionally, using the sous vide method for preparing goose confit ensures optimal tenderness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use goose confit or duck confit in other dishes besides these?

Yes! Goose confit can be used in a wide variety of dishes, including pasta, risotto, soups, or as a topping for crostini. Similarly, duck confit can also be used in various recipes, offering a tender, rich, and flavorful addition to many dishes.

Can I make goose confit ahead of time?

Yes, goose confit is ideal for making ahead. It can be stored in its fat in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks, or frozen for longer storage. For best results, use a Dutch oven to confit the goose, as it maintains a low, consistent temperature and ensures even cooking.

How long does it take to cook goose confit using sous vide?

Goose confit typically takes about 2-3 hours to cook in its fat at a low temperature (around 190°F/88°C). The slow cooking process ensures the meat becomes tender and flavorful. Traditionally, goose fat is used in the confit process to cook the meat slowly.

What can I serve with goose confit?

Goose confit pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, wild rice, or a simple green salad. For a lighter side, try sautéed greens like spinach or kale.