Duck Breasts and Radicchio with Maple Apples

Name: Duck Breasts and Radicchio with Maple Apples
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 2 pieces duck breasts (about 200g each); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 2 medium apples (cored and sliced); 1 head radicchio (sliced); 2 tbsp butter; 3 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp lemon juice

55 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Duck Breasts and Radicchio with Maple Apples

Savour the rich flavours of duck paired with caramelized apples and radicchio, finished with a touch of maple syrup.

Prep

20 min

Cook

30 min

Total

55 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Duck breasts, or magrets de canard, are a delicacy that can transform a simple dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. Pairing them with radicchio and apples creates a harmony of flavours that is both sweet and slightly bitter, complemented by the rich, savoury taste of the duck. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life, offering a balance of sweetness from the maple syrup and apples, and the subtle bitterness of radicchio. It's a perfect way to showcase Quebecois flavours with a touch of elegance.

Ingredients

Servings

Duck and Marinade

Apple and Radicchio Mixture

Instructions

Prepare the Duck

Score the skin of the duck breasts in a criss-cross pattern. Season with salt and pepper.

Pro tip: Scoring helps in rendering fat.

Cook the Duck

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Place duck breasts skin-side down and cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.

Rest the Duck

Remove duck from skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Resting allows juices to redistribute.

Prepare the Apples and Radicchio

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples and cook until they start to caramelize, about 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Add Radicchio

Add radicchio to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until wilted.

Pro tip: Adjust seasoning to taste.

Finish with Maple and Lemon

Stir in maple syrup and lemon juice, cooking for 1-2 minutes until well combined and heated through.

Pro tip: Maple syrup adds a nice glaze to the dish.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Score the duck skin in a criss-cross pattern to help render fat.</li><li>Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution.</li><li>Let the duck rest for juicier meat.</li><li>Choose a sweet and firm apple variety like Honeycrisp.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve the duck breasts sliced over a bed of radicchio and caramelized apples, drizzling any remaining pan juices on top. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a light green salad. Make ahead by preparing the apple and radicchio mixture in advance and reheating gently before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.