Topic: Classic Duck Curry with Coriander and Cardamom

[tempest63]

This is the project for this weekend. Looks like a lovely rich curry with the yogurt based sauce. The vinegar will help to break down the fat in the duck but I'm in two minds to leave it out as I am unsure what it will do to the yogurt.

Classic Duck Curry with Coriander and Cardamom
(adapted from Madhur Jaffey in Climbing the Mango Trees)
To serve 4
Ingredients:
4-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
6 large cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
4 tablespoons whole coriander seeds
2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds
1 teaspoon cardamom seeds (see note)
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
2-inch stick cinnamon, crushed
1 teaspoon Kashmiri red-chili powder (or 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper)
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 tablespoons olive or peanut oil
6-pound duck (see below)
2 medium onions, peeled and finely chopped
8 tablespoons plain yogurt
1-3/4 teaspoons salt, or to taste

Method:
1. Cut the duck into 8 pieces: 2 drumsticks, 2 thighs, and 4 breast quarters. Reserve the wings (discard the tips), back, sternum and gizzard for the sauce, if desired. Remove all the fat and skin that hangs from the sides or ends of the duck, leaving only the skin that sits on top of the meat.
2. Put the ginger, garlic and 1/4 cup water into a blender. Blend thoroughly until you have a smooth paste. Set aside.
3. Combine the coriander, cumin and cardamom seeds, cloves and cinnamon in a clean coffee or spice grinder. Grind as finely as possible. Empty the spice mixture into a small bowl. Add the red-chili powder, turmeric, vinegar and about 3 tablespoons of water to make a thick, dryish paste. (The paste may be very liquid at first, but it will thicken after a few minutes.)
4. Pour the oil into a large saut