Pasta with Duck and Cherry

Pasta with Duck and Cherry is a delightful blend of rich flavors, featuring tender duck meat paired with a sweet and tangy cherry sauce. This dish combines hearty pasta with a gourmet touch, making it perfect for a cozy dinner for two.

Ingredients

• Pasta (fettuccine or tagliatelle) - 200 grams
• Duck breast - 250 grams
• Fresh cherries (pitted) - 150 grams
• Shallot (finely chopped) - 1 medium
• Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Red wine (Kosher) - 100 milliliters
• Chicken broth (low sodium) - 150 milliliters
• Honey - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh thyme - 1 teaspoon (or 1 sprig for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese (grated, optional) - for serving

Steps

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
2. Score the skin of the duck breast in a crisscross pattern and season with salt and black pepper.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and place the duck breast skin-side down. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
4. Flip the duck breast and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
5. In the same skillet, remove excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the chopped shallot and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
6. Add the cherries, cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften, then pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer.
7. Stir in the chicken broth and honey, and let the mixture reduce for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Slice the duck breast and add it to the sauce, stirring to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water.
9. Toss the cooked pasta with the duck and cherry sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme and optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Duck is a good source of protein and essential fatty acids.
• Cherries are rich in antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation.

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