Red Thai Duck Curry

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Place duck breasts fat side down and cook for several minutes, or until skin is crisp and golden brown. (Don’t worry about cooking the duck at this point. You just want to give the skin some great color.) Remove from the skillet and cut into slices. Set aside.

Reduce heat to medium low. If oil isn’t overly brown, go ahead and add the minced garlic to the pan. (If oil is to brown, pour it off and add some new oil.) Add red Thai curry paste to the pan and stir. Cook paste for several minutes to release the flavors. Pour in the coconut milk, hot water, fish sauce, and minced ginger. Stir and allow to cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

In a separate pot (I use a dutch oven) heat oil over medium high heat. Add sliced onions and bell pepper and cook for several minutes. Make sure the pan is hot, then add sliced duck and stir. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

Add pineapple and cherry tomatoes. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.

Taste curry sauce, which should be slightly thickened by now. Add more spice if needed.

Pour curry sauce into the pot with the veggies and duck. Stir to combine and allow to bubble and simmer for a good 5 to 10 minutes. Add a little hot water if it seems too thick, or allow to bubble longer if it needs more thickening. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes.

At the last minute, stir in lots of chopped basil. Serve immediately over jasmine rice. Spoon plenty of sauce into the bowl!