Duck legs braised in pinot noir

Marinate and slow-cook duck in pinot noir and discover why they're a food and wine match made in heaven.

Ingredients of Duck legs braised in pinot noir

1/2 onion, roughly chopped

1 carrot, roughly chopped

1 celery stalk, roughly chopped

3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

1 cup (250ml) pinot noir

150ml port

Zest and juice of 2 oranges

2 bay leaves

4 duck marylands (see note)

1 tbs olive oil

1/3 cup (80ml) demiglaze (see note)

8 eschalots, peeled

20g unsalted butter

1 tbs caster sugar

Steamed peas and creamy mashed potato, to serve

Preparation of Duck legs braised in pinot noir

1.Place onion, carrot, celery and garlic in a heavy-based saucepan with pinot, port, orange zest and juice, and bay leaves. Bring to the boil, then remove from heat and set aside to cool. Pour over duck legs in a bowl, cover and refrigerate overnight.

2.Preheat the oven to 150°C.

3.Drain the duck legs, reserving the marinade and vegetables separately. Pat duck dry with paper towel. Heat oil in a large ovenproof frypan over medium heat. Fry the duck legs for 2-3 minutes each side until golden all over. Remove duck from pan and set aside, then drain all but 1 tablespoon of fat.

4.Place the reserved vegetables in the frypan and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden. Add reserved marinade, demiglaze and 1 cup (250ml) water and bring to the boil. Add the duck legs and cover with a round piece of baking paper to keep in the moisture, then cover with a lid or foil. Place in the oven and cook for 2 hours or until the duck is tender. Remove the pan from the oven and strain the cooking liquid through a fine sieve into a saucepan. Place the liquid over medium heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes until mixture has reduced to a thick sauce.

5.Meanwhile, cook the eschalots in a small saucepan of lightly salted water over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain well and pat dry with paper towel. Heat butter in a small-heavy based frypan over medium-low heat. Add the eschalots and swirl pan to coat in butter. Sprinkle with the sugar and cook, swirling the pan occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until golden.

6.Serve the duck with the peas, mashed potato and caramelised eschalots.

Notes and Tips for Duck legs braised in pinot noir

Begin this recipe a day ahead.

Order duck from butchers and poultry shops.

Demiglaze is a reduced stock, from selected delis and butchers - if unavailable, omit the water and substitute 1 cup (250ml) chicken or beef stock.

Source : Taste.com.au