Pan-Seared Duck Breast with...Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Lavender Honey Gastrique and Parsnip-Vanilla Purée

A masterclass in French culinary balance: perfectly rendered, crispy-skinned Magret duck breast paired with a velvety, vanilla-infused parsnip purée and a tart, floral lavender honey gastrique.

Ingredients

Cooking Instructions

1. 01

   For the purée: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped parsnips, heavy cream, whole milk, and the scraped vanilla pod and seeds. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook until the parsnips are completely tender, about 15-20 minutes.

2. 02

   Remove the vanilla pod. Transfer the parsnips and liquid to a high-speed blender. Add 30g of butter and blend until completely smooth and velvety. Season with salt to taste. Pass through a fine-mesh chinois and keep warm.

3. 03

   Score the skin of the duck breasts in a tight diamond pattern, being careful not to cut into the flesh. Season generously on both sides with Maldon sea salt and black pepper.

4. 04

   Place the duck breasts skin-side down in a cold, dry skillet. Place over medium-low heat. Cook for 12-15 minutes, regularly spooning off the rendered fat, until the skin is deeply golden and ultra-crispy.

5. 05

   Turn the breasts over and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp of 54°C / 130°F). Transfer to a warm plate and let rest for 8-10 minutes.

6. 06

   For the gastrique: In a clean small saucepan, combine the lavender honey and sherry vinegar. Bring to a boil and let bubble until it reduces to a light syrupy consistency, about 3 minutes. Pour in the duck stock, bring to a boil, and reduce by half until it coats the back of a spoon.

7. 07

   Remove the gastrique from heat and whisk in the remaining 15g of cold cubed butter to create a glossy, emulsified sauce. Season with a pinch of salt.

8. 08

   To serve, slice the rested duck breasts at an angle. Spoon a generous pool of the warm parsnip-vanilla purée onto each plate. Arrange the sliced duck on top and drizzle with the lavender honey gastrique.