Are you looking to elevate your duck dinner from simply delicious to unforgettable? Then look no further! This vibrant, sweet and tart cherry sauce is the perfect partner for roasted duck, adding a burst of fruity complexity that beautifully balances the richness of the meat. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and requires minimal ingredients for maximum flavor impact. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant addition to your next meal! This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals (relatively), or quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh or frozen pitted cherries (fresh are preferred for the best flavor)
- 1/2 cup red wine (a dry red like Pinot Noir works well)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste, adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
If using fresh cherries, remove the pits. If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, red wine, balsamic vinegar, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering cherry mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Add Butter (Optional)
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the butter (if using) until melted and incorporated. This adds a beautiful shine and extra richness.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the cherry sauce warm, spooned generously over your roasted duck. It's also delicious served alongside other poultry or pork dishes.
Tips and Variations:
- For a smoother sauce: Puree a portion or all of the sauce with an immersion blender before serving.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the brown sugar to your preference. Some prefer a more tart sauce, while others like it sweeter.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Add some zest: A little orange zest adds extra brightness and aromatic complexity.
- Make it ahead: This sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving. It actually deepens in flavor when stored.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. However, a general estimate per serving (assuming a 1/4 of the recipe) would be around:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-35g
- Protein: Approximately 1-2g
- Fat: Approximately 5-10g
Remember these are estimates, and using different ingredients will alter the nutritional content slightly. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient measurements.
This easy cherry sauce recipe is a wonderful addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. It's a delicious dish that’s both satisfying and impressive, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy!