Duck Breast Salad with Figs and Walnuts

Score the skin of each duck breast on the diagonal.

Combine the thyme, garlic, salt and pepper and rub onto both sides of the duck. Set aside. Heat a sauté pan with a little oil and add the duck, skin side down. Cook for 7 minutes over a medium heat then turn and cook the other side for 4 minutes.

While the duck is cooking, whisk together the verjuice, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and the preserved lemon and season to taste. Pour into a shallow dish, large enough to take the duck in one layer. When the duck is cooked, remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. Place in the dressing, turning to coat well. Add the figs and basil leaves and turn again. Allow to sit for at least 10 minutes.

To serve: Take the duck out of the dressing and slice across the grain of the meat. Place the sliced duck back in the dish and turn to coat in the dressing. Add the sliced fennel and gently toss. Lift the salad onto a large serving platter and drizzle over any dressing left in the bowl. Scatter over the walnuts and serve with lots of fresh crusty bread for mopping up the delicious juices. Small, waxy potatoes baked in salt would be a great accompaniment. 

Verjuice: In the 14th and 15th centuries French cooks used this juice made from unripe grapes. It has the tartness of lemon and the acidity of vinegar but without the harshness of either. It marries particularly well with nut oils. Use it to de-glaze pans, make vinaigrettes, or poach fruit in a syrup made from equal parts verjuice and sugar. Use white wine vinegar as an alternative in vinaigrettes or white wine for sauces or sweet applications. Available from specialty food stores.