Introduction
A delicious alternative to turkey, be sure to try and use free range geese that have been allowed to mature on a natural diet. This yields the most succulent and flavoursome meat. This recipe is for the centrepiece itself, I'd recommend serving with seasonal vegetables for a full spread.Method
Roast:
- Remove your goose from the packaging, prick the skin all over with a fork then scald the skin by pouring a kettle full of boiling water over the bird resting on a wire rack over the sink, then leave to air dry for an hour before seasoning with good quality sea salt. Then transfer on a wire rack to a large roasting tray.
- Preheat your oven to 150°C for fan assisted or 170°C for ovens without a fan (gas 4)
- Place in the centre of the oven and roast 45 minutes per kg basting with its own fat regularly whilst roasting.
- Increase oven to 210°C for fan assisted or 230°C for ovens without a fan (gas 8) for the final 30 minutes to crisp the skin, brushing with honey for the final few minutes works really well on goose.
- The core temperature should be minimum of 65°C before resting.
- Remove from the oven, put onto a clean tray and keep warm by covering with a sheet of foil.
- Carefully drain the goose fat into a clean container & reserve for further use.
- Rest the goose for a minimum of 30 minutes before carving.