Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Northern California with this exquisite duck confit salad featuring locally-sourced Sonoma poultry, a symphony of chicory greens, and a melody of pomegranate and sherry vinaigrette. Perfect for an elegant dinner party or a sophisticated solo treat, this recipe will delight your taste buds with its rich textures and complex flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Duck Confit:
- 4 duck legs
- 4 cups kosher salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cracked black pepper
- Zest of 2 oranges
- A handful of fresh thyme
- Duck fat, for cooking
For the Chicory Salad:
- Mixed chicory greens (e.g., Treviso, frisée, Castel Franco)
- 2 tablespoons sherry vinaigrette (recipe follows)
- Salt, to taste
- Pomegranate seeds, for garnish
For the Pomegranate Molasses:
- 1/2 cup pomegranate molasses
- 1/2 cup sherry vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- Pinch of salt
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For the Sherry Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup olive oil
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
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Prep Time: 12-24 hours (for curing)
Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 hours 15 minutes to 27 hours 15 minutes (including curing)
Instructions:
1. Cure the Duck: Combine the salt, sugar, cracked black pepper, orange zest, and thyme leaves in a bowl. Liberally coat the duck legs with the cure mixture and place them in a dish. Refrigerate for 8-12 hours, or overnight.
2. Rinse and Confit: Remove the duck from the refrigerator, rinse off all the cure, and pat dry with paper towels. Place the duck legs in an oven-proof pot and cover them with duck fat. Cook in a preheated 250°F (120°C) oven for 2-3 hours or until tender.
3. Prepare Pomegranate Molasses: While the duck is cooking, combine pomegranate molasses, sherry vinegar, sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Reduce over medium heat by half or until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency.
4. Make Sherry Vinaigrette: In a blender, combine sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and cracked black pepper. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify. Set aside.
5. Caramelize Duck Legs: Once the duck is confit and has cooled slightly, crisp the skin by frying each leg in a 350°F (175°C) preheated fryer or pan with oil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
6. Assemble the salad: Toss the mixed chicory greens with sherry vinaigrette and a pinch of salt. Arrange the salad in a tall, appealing mound on a plate.
7. Serve: Place the caramelized duck leg against the salad, drizzle with pomegranate molasses, and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Enjoy your savory and sweet masterpiece!
Equipment:
- Oven-proof pot
- Fryer or skillet
- Blender
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Plates for serving
Cooking Tips:
- Be generous with the cure to ensure the flavor penetrates the meat.
- Always emulsify your vinaigrette for a consistent dressing.
- Make your salad visually appealing by layering the greens for height and texture.
Recipe provided by California Bountiful TV. Watch more of their culinary creations on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CaBountiful
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Duck Confit Salad – Slow-cooked duck, greens
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