Duck Rillettes

Duck Rillettes is a rich, savory French spread made by slow-cooking duck meat (often the legs) in its own fat until it becomes tender enough to shred, then packing it into jars or crocks. It typically features duck, duck fat, salt, and aromatic herbs like thyme and bay leaf, originating from the Loire Valley region of France. It's often served as an appetizer with crusty bread or toast points.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Duck Rillettes is very high in fat and protein, with minimal carbohydrates, making it a calorie-dense food. A typical serving (about 2 tablespoons) provides a good source of iron and B vitamins from the duck, with roughly 150-200 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	190 kcal
Protein	8 g
Carbs	0 g
Fat	17 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	350 mg
Vitamin B12	1.2 mcg
Niacin (B3)	3.5 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Zinc	1.8 mg
Phosphorus	120 mg
Selenium	10 mcg
Vitamin B6	0.2 mg
Copper	0.1 mg

Per 1/4 cup (56 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a classic example of French charcuterie and was historically a method of preserving meat before refrigeration. Nutritionally, while high in saturated fat, it also contains beneficial monounsaturated fats from the duck.