Duck And Pomegranate Stew

Duck And Pomegranate Stew
serves 4

Ingredients
2 small pomegranates
2kg/4lb duck, cut into 8 pieces
3 tablespoons sunflower oil
1 onion, chopped
225g/8oz shelled walnuts,
coarsely ground
450ml/3/4pt chicken stock
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
juice of 1/2 lemon
pinch of granulated sugar
salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Squeeze the juice from one of the pomegranates using a lemon squeezer. Extract the seeds of the other pomegranate and reserve.
• Brown the duck pieces briskly in half of the oil, and transfer to a flameproof casserole dish. Fry the onion in the same fat until it is tender, and transfer to the casserole dish. Add the walnuts to the pan, and fry until they begin to change colour, then scrape into the casserole dish.
• Return the frying pan to the heat and pour in the stock. Bring to the boil, stirring up any pan residue. Pour into the casserole dish and add the cinnamon stick, cloves, pomegranate juice, lemon juice and sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
• Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and continue simmering, uncovered, for 20–30 minutes until the meat is very tender and the sauce is thick. Taste and adjust the seasoning, and serve hot with the pomegranate seeds sprinkled over the top.