Duck Breast with Juniper

Duck Breast with Juniper is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the rich taste of duck with the piney notes of juniper berries, creating a unique culinary experience. Perfect for a midnight feast, this dish is both elegant and simple to prepare, making it ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Duck breast - 2 pieces (approximately 300g each)
• Juniper berries - 1 tablespoon (crushed)
• Garlic - 2 cloves (minced)
• Fresh rosemary - 1 teaspoon (chopped)
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons
• Honey - 1 teaspoon

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels and score the skin in a crosshatch pattern without cutting into the meat.
3. In a small bowl, combine crushed juniper berries, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
4. Rub the marinade evenly over the duck breasts, ensuring it gets into the scored skin. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
5. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the duck breasts skin-side down into the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
6. Flip the duck breasts and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for an additional 10-12 minutes for medium-rare doneness (adjust time for desired doneness).
8. Remove the duck breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
9. In the same skillet, add balsamic vinegar and honey, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
10. Slice the duck breasts and drizzle the balsamic-honey sauce over the top before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 470
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbs: 9 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 100 mg
• Total Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Duck is a great source of high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Juniper berries contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that can support overall health.

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