Lunch: Duck Breast with Balsamic Pears

We've got your romantic dinner for two covered with this French-inspired seared duck-breast recipe.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Spinach

Health benefits of Duck Breast with Balsamic Pears

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being.

Ingredients

1 fresh or frozen (thawed) boneless duck-breast half with skin
salt
Pepper
1/2 c. long-grain white rice
1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 tsp. snipped fresh chives
1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp. water
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. freshly grated orange peel
1 Bosc or D'Anjou pear
1 large shallot
1 bag microwave-in-bag baby spinach
1/4 c. slivered almonds

Instructions

Pat duck breast dry with paper towels. With knife, cut four 1/4-inch-deep diagonal slashes in skin and fat. On waxed paper, evenly sprinkle duck breast with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to season both sides.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook duck, skin side down, on medium 16 to 18 minutes or until skin is browned and crispy. As duck cooks, spoon off excess fat in skillet. Turn duck over; cook 10 minutes for medium-rare or until desired doneness.
While duck cooks, in 2-quart saucepan, prepare rice as label directs; when done, stir in parsley, chives, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In cup, mix vinegar, water, sugar, and peel.
Transfer duck to cutting board; cover with foil to keep warm. Discard all but 2 teaspoons fat from skillet. Stir in pear and cook 5 minutes or until it begins to brown; transfer to plate. Add shallot to skillet and cook 1 minute. Stir in vinegar mixture; cook 2 to 4 minutes, until sauce begins to thicken
Meanwhile, prepare bagged spinach in microwave as label directs.
To serve, divide spinach and rice between 2 dinner plates; sprinkle rice with almonds. Thinly slice duck breast, and serve with pears and balsamic sauce. Nutritional information is based on 1 serving with skin.