How much foie gras should you plan per person?
Foie gras, a symbol of the holiday season, represents both a pleasure and a source of stress, especially when we are unsure about the quantities to prepare for our guests. This delicacy, made from ducks and geese, is mainly consumed in winter, with family or friends, as the days grow colder. While there are many ways to enjoy foie gras, whether as an appetizer or a main course, it can be challenging to estimate the ideal quantity to serve to your guests during the holidays. In this article, Fauchon will answer all your questions about foie gras: what is the ideal quantity of foie gras to plan per person, whether as an appetizer or a main course, and also, what are the types of foie gras and how long can they be stored.
The quantity of foie gras as an appetizer and main course
What words come to mind when you think of foie gras? Generally, foie gras inspires elegance, finesse, and delicacy. There are two types of foie gras commonly found in our baskets, namely, goose foie gras and duck foie gras. Since 2006, this product has even become a part of the French cultural and gastronomic heritage. In general, foie gras can be consumed either semi-cooked or whole, depending on your preferences. While top chefs often make cooking seem simple, one thing is certain: determining the right quantity of whole or semi-cooked foie gras to serve on toast or in a dish is never easy. The size of a foie gras piece often varies, ranging from about 200 to 350 grams, not to mention that each guest you invite may not eat the same quantity of foie gras. However, even if some are more voracious than others, the secret is to provide an amount that will satisfy all your guests, whether as an appetizer or a main course.
The quantity of foie gras as an appetizer and main course
For an appetizer, plan on serving between 60 and 80 grams of foie gras (for the most generous and indulgent among us!). To accompany your foie gras as an appetizer, it is preferable to serve it with fresh fruits like figs or pears. Other options are available for enjoying foie gras, such as fruit compotes, marmalades, or chutneys. One of the best accompaniments is fig or mango chutney, but feel free to explore new flavors. Remember that foie gras pairs perfectly with sweetness.
THE QUANTITY OF FOIE GRAS AS A MAIN COURSE
During a meal, plan on serving between 110 and 130 grams for those who are especially fond of foie gras. When foie gras is served as a main course, several accompaniments can enhance its flavor. You can pan-fry the foie gras to eat it hot, or you can add dried fruits or fresh fruits (such as grapes, apples, or pears) or even onion confit to maintain a sweet and light taste. If you want to experience the pronounced flavor of foie gras, you can prepare a semi-cooked foie gras, accompanied by Sarladaise potatoes, or, of course, place a slice on country or rye bread. Before cutting the foie gras, it's important to always dip the blade of your knife in hot water for a more precise and clean cut of each portion.
THE QUANTITY OF FOIE GRAS AS A MAIN COURSE
As mentioned earlier, whole foie gras and semi-cooked foie gras are prepared using different cooking methods. The main difference lies in the temperature and, consequently, the texture. Whole foie gras should be cooked between 90 and 110°C in a water bath, unlike semi-cooked foie gras, which should be cooked between 70 and 85°C. These two cooking processes will have an impact on texture: whole foie gras has a firmer texture, while semi-cooked foie gras is softer and has a stronger taste.
HOW LONG TO STORE FOIE GRAS?
Imagine the following scenario: it's December 31st, New Year's Eve, and your guests are expected to arrive in an hour. You have foie gras in the refrigerator that's been there for 6 days, but you're not sure if it's still good. Fauchon has the answer for you today: cooked foie gras can be stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks, while raw foie gras can be stored for approximately one week. If you wish to freeze your foie gras, you can certainly do so. Just remember to place it in the refrigerator 24 hours before consumption so that the foie gras can thaw while retaining its flavor.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FOIE GRAS
If you want to learn more about wine and foie gras pairings, Fauchon foie gras types, seasonings, or if you simply have other questions on the topic, find all our tips on how to savor foie gras. You now know all the secrets that foie gras holds, but remember the golden rule: never spread your foie gras!
you'll also like