You may have heard of chicken foie gras on a cooking show or seen it as a menu item at a French or fusion fine dining restaurant. It certainly is a unique delicacy that can only be purchased in luxury and gourmet distributors. In America, only 3 foie gras farms exist and they all produce exceptional products. If you’ve never tried this French delicacy, you should keep reading because it is mouth wateringly delicious. Despite its luxury affiliation, it is an incredibly easy protein to cook. Our Foie Gras Empanadas are made with Hudson Valley Foie Gras, one of the premier farms and distributors in the U.S.
Foie Gras is considered a specialty food that comes from the liver of a fattened goose or duck. This pricey protein can range from $40 – $80 per pound, depending on its origins, the animal, and the manufacturing process. While it might set you back over 10 times more than most other proteins, it freezes and stores exceptionally well for up to a year. For storing fully cooked foie gras in mousse, pates, or blocs, products last several years based on label instructions.
However, it does have a limited shelf life in the refrigerator after opening. That means that if you are unable to cook a whole lobe, you’ll have plenty more for your next fancy occasion. It’s best to slice in thicker pieces, as they cook better and create the mix of nutty and creamy taste we’ve all come to love. The decadent richness combined with a distinct sweetness results in a melt in your mouth experience like no other when properly prepared.
As noted before, you’ll find premium foie gras produced in only 3 locations in America that include Hudson Valley and Le Belle in New York and Au Bon Canard in Minnesota. It’s history dates back all the way to the ancient Egyptians, who hunted ducks and geese in the Nile River as they gorged themselves before long migrations. As the Egyptians domesticated these fowl relatively early on, they were a regular part of their diets and spiritual offerings. This practice of using geese and ducks as a source of food prior to migration spread throughout the Meditarranean, Greece, and eventually Rome, where foie gras was enhanced. The Romans would feed the fowl fruit to enhance the flavor of the fattened liver and began to raise them specifically for foie gras.
Outside of the States, you’ll find foie gras most popular in France. As the world’s largest producers and consumers of foie gras, it is relatively easy to order and import from an online company. It was first introduced to the American market by Ariane Daguin in the 1980s, who sold the product to premium New York restaurants. She was the daughter of a famous chef and had the credentials to be the first to introduce foie gras to the West.
When looking for the best foie gras recipe for empanadas, you have options! You can choose to make a duck empanadas recipe or make them using chicken foie gras. Pastry stuffed with protein and flavorful ingredients is one of our favorite past times and now we are sharing it with you. Our menu includes our popular Foie Gras Empanadas made with Hudson Valley foie gras, anise seeds, and onion campari marmalade. For those of you who want to cook this at home, we have a few recommendations on the best way to prepare a duck or chicken foie gras recipe even your in-laws will love! The best part is that they are super quick and easy to make so everyone will be able to enjoy them quickly.
Preparation:
When you cook with a foie gras recipe for the first time, you’ll notice that the lobes are small. When you become a veteran, you’ll notice the differences in the type of foie gras you choose to cook with. First, the goose liver is larger than a duck but undistinguishable once it is sliced. Goose liver is lighter than duck and it’s diameter yields a more robust cut. When pan fried, goose liver is firmer than duck and tastes more like poultry. If you choose to fry duck liver, you will lose more fat than goose.
The French term foie gras literally means “fat liver” in English. The most commonly used foie gras comes from the Mulard species of duck. This cross between Pekin and Muscovy duck is responsible for 98% of French foie gras production. The remaining foie gras can be attributed to geese. In modest amounts, foie gras is a healthy protein that contains high levels of fat, cholesterol, Vitamins A and B, and iron. It should be consumed sparingly and for specific occasions or when you’re feeling fancy!
If you’re wondering where the best foie gras near me is, wonder no more! For that special occasion or spontaneous date night, our menu includes the best foie gras recipe in Miami. You’ll find a number of delicious options from our starter menu to kick off your elegant night in style and class. Pair our duck empanadas recipe with our featured main courses of Roasted Cauliflower Steak or Roasted Half Chicken and you have an evening of casual luxury.
We recommend enjoying our menu during our promotional specials every day of the week! On Monday, bring your friends or significant other and treat yourself to half priced bottles of wine with our Foie Gras Empanadas. If you can’t make it on Monday, our Wednesday half priced whiskey special is a great alternative paired with our Filet Mignon, New York Strip steak, or Rib Eye. We welcome you to come back on Thursday and enjoy happy hour featured Monday through Friday with an entertaining live jazz band to transition into the weekend.
Are you planning a private event to celebrate a special birthday, wedding, or anniversary? We are here to help and serve your guests the best that Miami has to offer. Call today or check our website to reserve private dining!
