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Duck Confit with Oranges and Watercress

3.8

(2)

In French bistros, confit duck legs are traditionally served with a very simple, sharply dressed frisée salad. This version of the light meal gilds the lily by switching out frisée for peppery watercress and adding juicy navel oranges and nuggets of toasted walnuts.

Cooks' note:

Dressing can be made 1 day ahead and chilled.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    40 min

  • Yield

    Makes 4 (main course) servings

Ingredients

4 navel oranges
1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 Confit Duck Legs at room temperature
8 cups watercress sprigs (from 2 bunches), tough stems discarded
1 cup walnuts, Toasted , cooled, and coarsely broken

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    With a sharp paring knife, cut peel and white pith from oranges, then cut each orange crosswise into 5 slices.

    Step 2

    Whisk together vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a bowl. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking until combined.

    Step 3

    Cook duck, skin side down, covered, in a large heavy nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until skin is well browned and crisp and duck is heated through, 15 to 20 minutes.

    Step 4

    Toss watercress and walnuts in a bowl with just enough dressing to coat. Divide orange slices among plates, then drizzle with any remaining dressing and top with salad and a duck leg.

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