Duck Salad with Cherries, Mushrooms, Walnuts and Tkemali
A delicious combination of savory, sweet and tart, this salad features roasted duck breast, fried oyster mushrooms, fresh cherries, mixed greens and a tangy dressing.
Equipment
- 1 large frying pan
- 1 medium frying pan
- 1 Roasting tray
Ingredients
- 2-3 duck breasts skin on
- 1 cup oyster mushrooms
- 20 sweet black cherries halved and pitted
- A pack of mixed salad leaves
- 1 tbsp walnuts
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp butter
- salt & pepper
For the dressing:
- 1 tbsp tkemali Georgia tart plum sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or more to taste
- 1 tbsp water optional - if the sauce is too thick
Instructions
- Wash the duck breasts and pat them dry.
- Make a few cuts on the skin using a sharp knife. Be careful to not let the blade touch the meat.
- Rub the breasts with salt.
- Heat a large pan to medium high and sear the breasts for 1-2 minutes on each sides.
- Preheat the oven to 190C. Line a baking tray with wax paper and place the duck breasts skin side up.
- Roast for 12-14 minutes in the middle of the oven, until the breasts are slightly pink inside.
- Let rest for a few minutes, then cut into about 7mm thick slices.
- Thoroughly wash the mushrooms under running water.
- Heat 1 tbsp of cooking oil and 1 tsp of butter in a medium pan and fry the mushrooms for about 5 minutes, moving constantly. They should turn golden and crispy, yet remain tender inside. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
- Heat another small pan to medium-high and roast walnuts for a few minutes until fragrant (optional).
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together 1 tbsp tkemali sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp white vinegar and 1 tsp honey. If the sauce is too thick, add 1 tbsp water. Taste and adjust for sweetness.
- Place the greens into a large bowl and toss with 3/4 of the dressing.
- Add the cherries, oyster mushrooms and duck slices and gently mix to combine.
- Scatter over walnuts, drizzle over the remaining dressing and serve.
Notes
- You can use any other tart, sweet and fruity dressing in place of tkemali. For instance, a fruity vinegar mixed with olive oil, honey and rock salt; lemon juice with evoo, brown sugar and sumac; olive oil, pomegranate molasses, honey and vinegar.
- This salad is best enjoyed immediately.