Grilled Fig And Duck Salad Recipes

LACQUERED DUCK WITH GRILLED FIGS

Steps:

• Put all the syrup ingredients in a small, heavy-based saucepan. Add 6 tbsp water, season lightly with salt and pepper and simmer over a medium heat for 8-10 minutes until the syrup has reduced by just over half and is very sticky. Remove from the heat.
• Put the duck breasts skin side down in a cold frying pan (it's unusual to start frying in a cold pan, but with duck this is often a good idea - it makes the fat render slowly from under the skin, keeping the flesh really moist). Fry slowly for about 15 minutes until the skin is golden. At least 100ml/31⁄2fl oz fat will be rendered from the skin. (Once cool, keep the fat in the fridge - it's great for roasting potatoes.)
• Preheat the oven to fan 180C/ conventional 200C/gas 6. Sit the duck breasts skin side up on a rack in a roasting tin. Spoon a little of the syrup on top and leave for 2-3 minutes until sticky. Tip any syrup that drips into the bottom of the roasting tin back into the syrup in the saucepan, and reheat to liquefy if necessary. Repeat this technique - spooning the syrup over the duck and leaving it to stand - until there are three or four layers and you have used up most of the syrup. If it gets too thick, just add 1-2 tbsp water. Conversely, if it's too thin, add another 1 tbsp sugar. Arrange the orange slices round the duck and spoon the last splash of syrup over the top.
• Roast the duck for 8-12 minutes until done to your liking. Meanwhile, cut the figs in half lengthways, tip into a bowl and toss with the olive oil and plenty of seasoning. Heat a ridged cast-iron griddle pan (or a heavy frying pan) on the hob until very hot, then chargrill the figs for 2 minutes on each side.
• Once the duck is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 3 minutes, then cut each breast at an angle into two or three slices. Transfer to four serving plates with the orange slices and figs, and garnish with extra bay leaves and the star anise from the syrup.

HONEY GLAZED GRILLED FIG SALAD WITH FETA, PISTACHIO AND MIZUNA

Steps:

• Whisk together the vinegar, honey, orange juice and some salt and pepper to combine. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified. Set aside.
• Heat a charcoal or gas grill to high for direct grilling. Brush the figs with some olive oil, season with salt and pepper and grill, cut-side down, just until slightly charred. Remove to a plate.
• Toss the mizuna with some of the vinaigrette. Transfer the mizuna to a platter and arrange the figs over top. Sprinkle with the feta and pistachios and drizzle some of the remaining dressing over top. Serve at room temperature.

GRILLED FIG AND DUCK SALAD

Steps:

• Salt duck breasts and cook skin side down in a medium-hot grill pan for seven minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
• Turn the heat down a little, turn breasts over and cook a further seven minutes covered with a lid.
• Remove from heat and allow to rest in a warm place.
• Cut figs in half and grill for a minute until browned.
• Meanwhile make a dressing with the oil, vinegar and pomegranate molasses. Toss the salad leaves in the dressing and season with salt and pepper.
• Slice the duck breasts and arrange on the salad leaves with the figs. Drizzle with a little dressing and serve.

GRILLED FIG SALAD

Steps:

• Snip the tiny stem end off each fig and cut in half lengthwise.
• Mix vinegar, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl.
• Add the figs and gently toss to coat.
• Let sit while you heat a grill (indoor or outdoor).
• If necessary, coat your grill with a little olive oil.
• When ready, grill the figs (reserving all of the marinade in the bowl) for about 2 to 3 minutes per side or until grill marks appear -- don't overcook as the figs will become too mushy. Remove figs to a plate.
• To the reserved marinade, add olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper, whisking well to completely incorporate.
• Place greens in a large salad bowl; toss with dressing, then mound equal amounts on 4 individual serving plates.
• Place 2 fig halves decoratively over each plate of greens and serve.