Pappardelle with Duck Bolognese and Tuscan Kale

Name: Pappardelle with Duck Bolognese and Tuscan Kale
Yield: serves 6
Ingredients: 4 duck legs (about 2 pounds); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup (2 to 3 ounces) finely diced pancetta; 2 medium yellow onions, finely minced; 2 celery ribs, finely minced; 1 carrot, finely minced; 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley; 1 1/2 cups canned plum tomatoes, broken up by hand; 1/2 cup Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc or other dry white wine; 1 1/2 cups chicken stock (page 190); Parmesan rind (optional); 1 bunch (10 to 12 ounces) Tuscan kale, central rib removed; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1 pound fresh pappardelle, dried mafaldine, or other long, wide ribbon pasta; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

December 22, 2011

The Liberty Ducks we get from Sonoma County Poultry (see page 147) are fed an all-natural diet and allowed to mature for several more weeks than most commercial ducks. As a result, they develop more flavor. The meaty duck legs, braised slowly with aromatic vegetables, make a robust pasta sauce similar in richness and depth to a classic bolognese. Brian shreds the tender duck meat after it’s braised and adds chopped Tuscan kale to the sauce to introduce some fresh garden flavor.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.