Leipziger Gänsebraten: Roasted goose with apples, onions.
- 1 whole goose (approximately 5-6 kg/11-13 lb)
- 2 large apples, cored and quartered
- 3 medium onions, peeled and quartered
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons marjoram
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 4 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 1 cup of dry white wine
- 1 cup of goose or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons flour (for gravy)
- Additional herbs and spices (optional): bay leaves, juniper berries
Leipziger Gänsebraten is a traditional German dish typically enjoyed during festive occasions, such as Christmas or special family celebrations. This succulent roasted goose is stuffed with a delectable blend of apples and onions, which infuses the meat with a rich, fruity flavor while keeping it moist. The goose is liberally seasoned with salt, pepper, marjoram, and other regional spices, then slow-roasted until the skin is crispy and golden brown. The resulting dish is indulgent, with layers of flavor and a wonderful balance of savory and sweet. It is often served with red cabbage and potato dumplings or a side of other roasted root vegetables, and makes for an impressive centerpiece at any dinner table.
In this video from CALLEkocht - Grandma's Recipes, we're presented with a classic holiday feast: a succulent Christmas goose. This traditional dish is a centerpiece at the holiday table, offering rich flavors and warmth to the festive season. Here's how to prepare and cook the goose to perfection-
Ingredients:
- 1 Whole goose
- Salt to taste
- 2 Onions, halved with skins
- 2 Apples, quartered with cores
- Wing and neck bones from the goose
- Goose giblets (liver, heart, and gizzard)
- 3 heaping tablespoons of mugwort (for the goose brine)
- 4 additional Apples for stuffing, peeled and diced
- 1 additional Onion for stuffing, finely chopped
- A handful of raisins (optional)
- A handful of blanched almonds
- Bread crumbs
- Marjoram, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes for brining + additional roasting time
Total Time: Variable depending on the size of the goose
Equipment: Large pot, roasting pan, sharp knife, cutting board
Servings: Depends on the size of the goose
Instructions:
1. Start by ensuring the goose is fully plucked, with all large pin feathers removed. The cavity should be clean, with no blood clots.
2. For the brine, fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. The water should be salty like seawater. Bring the brine to a boil.
3. To the brine, add the halved onions and quartered apples. There's no need to remove the skins or cores as they're for flavoring only.
4. Prepare the goose by trimming the wings at the joint and removing excess fat. Save these trimmings for making the sauce later.
5. Place the goose in the boiling brine, along with the wing and neck bones, giblets, and 3 heaping tablespoons of mugwort.
6. Let the goose simmer for about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
7. For the stuffing, mix the peeled and diced apples, the finely chopped onion, raisins (if using), almonds, and breadcrumbs in a bowl.
8. Season the stuffing with marjoram, salt, and pepper to taste.
9. Preheat your oven as per the size of your goose for roasting, typically around 180°C (350°F).
10. Once the goose is brined, remove it from the pot, stuff it with the apple mixture, and prepare it to roast according to your preferred method.
11. Roast the goose in the oven until it's golden brown and cooked through. Basting and additional cooking instructions will vary based on size and preference.
12. Let the goose rest before carving it. Serve with your side dishes and enjoy a traditional Christmas meal.
Cooking Tips: You can use the giblets and trimmings to make a flavorful gravy. Skim excess fat and roast the bones for additional depth in your sauce. The stuffing can be adjusted according to your taste preferences or family traditions.
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Remember that working with respect in the kitchen, including cleanliness and care with ingredients, is part of the philosophy of CALLEkocht - Grandma's Recipes. Treat this recipe and the goose with love and attention, and it will surely become a highlight of your holiday table.
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Please check out the full video tutorial by CALLEkocht - Grandma's Recipes on their YouTube channel for a visual guide: https://www.youtube.com/@CALLEkocht
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Hashtags: #christmasgoose #holidayrecipe #traditionalcooking #familydinner #festivemeal #callekocht #grandmasrecipes #chatgpt
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