Sweet-Potato Gaufrettes with Duck Confit and Cranberry Black Pepper Chutney Recipe

Sweet-Potato Gaufrettes with Duck Confit and Cranberry Black Pepper Chutney Recipe

  • 2 large sweet potatoes (1 1/2 lb total)
  • 6 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 confit duck leg (5 1/2 oz), skin and bone discarded and meat finely shredded
  • Cranberry black pepper chutney
  • Special equipment: a mandoline fitted with fluted blade; a deep-fat thermometer
  1. Adjust fluted blade of mandoline to an opening of slightly more than 1/8 inch. Peel sweet potatoes, then slice crosswise on mandoline, turning each potato at a 90-degree angle after each slice to produce a waffle pattern. (It may take a few tries to get the pattern right.)
  2. Heat oil in a 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat until it registers 300°F on thermometer. Fry potatoes, 6 to 8 slices at a time, stirring and turning them frequently, until golden and crisp, 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and return oil to 300°F between batches. Season gaufrettes lightly with salt while still warm.
  3. Heat a 10-inch nonstick skillet over moderate heat until hot and cook duck, stirring, until any excess fat is melted and edges are slightly crisp, about 2 minutes.
  4. Top each gaufrette with some duck and a scant 1/2 teaspoon chutney.