Czech Duck with Red Cabbage and Dumplings (Pečená kachna)

A traditional Czech feast dish: slow-roasted duck seasoned with caraway, served alongside braised red cabbage and fluffy bread dumplings.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

* 1 whole duck (1.8–2kg)
* 1 tbsp caraway seeds
* 1 tbsp marjoram
* 3 cloves garlic, crushed
* Salt and black pepper
* 500g red cabbage, shredded
* 1 apple, grated
* 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar
* Bread dumplings (*knedlíky*) or boiled potatoes

Instructions:

1. Rub duck with garlic, caraway, marjoram, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast at 160°C (320°F) for 2.5–3 hours, basting with its fat.
3. Braise cabbage with apple, vinegar, sugar, and seasoning. Simmer until tender.
4. Serve duck with cabbage and dumplings.

Czech Tip:
Collect rendered duck fat for frying potatoes or spreading on bread!