DUCK BREASTS WITH POMEGRANATE-WALNUT SAUCE

Duck Breasts with Pomegranate-Walnut Sauce image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
5 ounces lightly toasted walnuts, finely chopped
3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
2 cups pomegranate seeds (2 pomegranates)
1 cup homemade veal stock or low-sodium canned beef stock
3/4 cup homemade chicken stock or low-sodium canned chicken stock
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
4 Magret duck breast halves, trimmed, excess fat and skin reserved
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped or leaves, for garnish
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Mixed greens, for serving, optional
Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Steps:

In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in cinnamon and allspice, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add walnuts, pomegranate molasses, 1 3/4 cups pomegranate seeds, and veal and chicken stocks. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until reduced and thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, set aside.
Score duck in a crosshatch pattern. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add duck breasts, skin-side down, and cook until most of the fat has rendered and the breasts are almost cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes. Turn breasts over, and cook until medium-rare, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from skillet; set aside. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Transfer duck breasts to a work surface, skin-side down. Thinly slice on the bias. Transfer to plates, and top with sauce. Garnish with mint and the remaining 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds. Serve with potatoes and salad, if desired.