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Duck Liver and Lentil Ragu with Buckwheat

This duck liver and lentil ragu with buckwheat is a hearty, nourishing dish that combines rich flavour with excellent nutritional value. High in protein, iron, fibre and essential nutrients, it’s both satisfying and wholesome - perfect for a comforting midweek supper. The tender duck liver, balanced by earthy lentils and vibrant vegetables, is served with nutty buckwheat and becomes a risotto-style meal that is naturally gluten-free and very filling. This recipe is especially convenient if you have leftover cooked buckwheat, but it’s just as easy to prepare from scratch while the ragu simmers. Serve it with a crisp green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Resting Time 4 hours
Cuisine: Mid&East European
Calories: 1234

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup buckwheat
  • 1 chicken stock cube
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 red onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 celery stick finely chopped
  • 1 carrot finely chopped
  • ½ red pepper finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Italian herb mix
  • 1 cup chopped ripe tomatoes or 1 tin chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tin lentils drained and rinsed
  • 1 large handful chopped kale or cavolo nero
  • 300 g duck liver trimmed
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Chopped parsley to serve

Method
 

  1. Start by cooking the buckwheat. Place it in a saucepan with twice its volume of water. Crumble in half of the stock cube. Bring to the boil, skim off any foam, then reduce the heat and simmer until the liquid has been absorbed. Cover with a lid and allow to rest while you prepare the ragu.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or casserole dish over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, carrot and red pepper. Cook gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  3. Add the Italian herbs and chopped tomatoes. Crumble in the remaining stock cube and add enough water to just cover the vegetables. Cover and simmer gently for about 15 minutes to allow the flavours to develop.
  4. Stir in the lentils and chopped kale. Add a little more water if needed — the consistency should be thicker than a stew but still moist. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the kale has wilted.
  5. Cut the duck liver into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pan. Stir gently, cover and cook for about 3–5 minutes, until just cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as the liver can become tough.
  6. To serve, place the cooked buckwheat in a large serving bowl and spoon the ragu over it. Season to taste and mix gently if desired.
  7. Finish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.