Pečená kachna s knedlíky

Ingredients

• 1 whole (about 4-5 lbs) duck
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 medium onions
• 1 package (about 12 oz) bread dumplings
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. 2

   Rinse the duck under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

3. 3

   Season the duck generously with salt, black pepper, caraway seeds, and thyme both inside and out.

4. 4

   Peel and quarter the onions and place them in the bottom of a roasting pan.

5. 5

   Crush the garlic cloves and add them to the roasting pan with the onions.

6. 6

   Place the seasoned duck on top of the onions and garlic in the roasting pan.

7. 7

   Roast the duck in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the duck with its own juices halfway through cooking.

8. 8

   While the duck is roasting, prepare the bread dumplings according to package instructions, typically boiling them in salted water for about 15-20 minutes.

9. 9

   In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

10. 10

    Gradually add the chicken broth to the roux, whisking constantly until the gravy thickens. Simmer for about 5 minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste.

11. 11

    Once the duck is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

12. 12

    Serve the carved duck with bread dumplings and drizzle with the rich gravy.