Duck Cassoulet

Directions

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   1.
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   Place the head of garlic in tin foil and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
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   Close the tin foil and place in the oven.
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   Cook until the cloves are soft, about 1 hour.
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   Remove from the oven and squeeze the cloves out of the garlic skin.
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   Mash it with a spoon on a cutting board and set aside.
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   2.
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   In a skillet or ovenproof pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and brown the cippolini onions on one side, about 3 minutes.
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   Season them with salt and pepper, flip them over and place the pan in the oven.
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    Cook until browned and tender, about 30 minutes, tossing frequently, and remove from the oven.
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    If using cippolinis, cut them into quarters; if using pearl onions, leave them whole, and set aside.
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    3.
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    In a 10-inch skillet, render the bacon on medium-low heat until just crispy.
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    (A smaller skillet will not be large enough to hold the entire contents of the recipe.)
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    4.
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    Add the shallots and sweat.
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    5.
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    Add the kale and wilt.
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    6.
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    Add stock and simmer for 10 minutes.
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    7.
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    Add garlic puree, beans and cippolinis and simmer for 15 minutes.
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    8.
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    Add duck meat and simmer for 1/2 hour.
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    9.
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    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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    10.
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    In a separate saute pan add the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil.
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    Brown the bread crumbs, stirring constantly.
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    Add rosemary, and red pepper flakes.
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    Remove the bread crumbs from the heat and continue to stir for a few minutes until the pan cools down.
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    11.
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    Garnish the cassoulet with the bread crumbs and place the whole thing in the oven for 10 minutes.
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    12.
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    Serve immediately in the skillet, table side.
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    Serves 6-8.
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    Tip for onions: soak them in a bowl of warm water.
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    When youre ready to peel, use a small knife and cut a slit down the side, then peel the skin back around the onion in one layer.
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    Note: this dish can be cooked in a casserole or other pan that can be transferred to stove.
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    A skillet works best because the flavors dont have to be transferred and can be served tableside.