Duck Breasts with Cider-Farro Risotto |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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An ancient grain with a nutty flavor, farro releases starch when cooked in the same way as Arborio rice, resulting in a creamy dish reminiscent of risotto. Farro is also known as spelt; look for it in supermarkets alongside other specialty grains. Garnish with thyme sprigs. Ingredients:
2 cups farro |
3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth |
3 cups apple cider |
2 tablespoons butter |
4 cups chopped fennel bulb (about 2) |
1 1/2 cups dry white wine |
1 cup water (optional) |
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon rind |
1 teaspoon salt |
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper |
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon |
8 (6-ounce) boneless duck breast halves, thawed and skinned |
1/2 teaspoon salt |
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme |
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper |
2 garlic cloves, minced |
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided |
Directions:
1. To prepare risotto, place farro in a large bowl; cover with water to 1 inch above farro. Let stand 30 minutes; drain.
2. Combine broth and cider in a large saucepan; bring to a simmer (do not boil). Keep warm over low heat.
3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add fennel, and sauté for 5 minutes or until lightly browned and tender. Remove fennel from pan. Add farro, and cook for 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add wine, and cook for 5 minutes or until the liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add broth mixture, 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion is absorbed before adding the next (about 35 minutes total). Add up to 1 cup water as needed until farro is al dente. Stir in fennel, grated lemon rind, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and cinnamon. Remove from heat. Cover and keep warm.
4. To prepare duck, sprinkle duck with 1/2 teaspoon salt, thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; rub with garlic. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 breast halves, and cook for 2 1/2 minutes or until browned. Turn breasts over, and cook over medium-low heat for 5 1/2 minutes or until desired degree of doneness. Repeat procedure with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 4 breast halves. Serve duck with farro risotto.
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