Photo by Philip Gross

Ingredients:

1/2 pound duck breast, skin removed
1 tablespoon dried juniper berries
Zest of 2 oranges
Zest of 1 lemon
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Fresh rosemary
1/2 cup red wine
1/4 cup brandy
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 pound dry pappardelle pasta

This recipe contains: Meat, Wheat

Recipe notes: Dried juniper berries can be found in the spice section of many specialty and gourmet food stores.

RECIPE

Pappardelle with Duck and Juniper Ragù

Every year a group of chefs from Florence's Apicius International School of Hospitality comes to the Beard House to cook. In 2009 they prepared this delicious pasta with duck ragù—just one of the many memorable dishes from their menu.

Yield: 4 servings

Method:

Rub the meat with the whole juniper berries, orange zest, lemon zest, rosemary, and bay leaf. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove the duck breast from the herbs and dice the meat. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion, carrot, and celery until soft, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the diced meat. Cook until the meat has changed color, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the red wine and brandy; cook until the alcohol has reduced and evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and chicken stock. Simmer for 45 minutes, until the sauce is rich and thick.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Strain pasta. Mix pasta with ragù to serve.