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1
If the duck breast has a lot of fat, cut it down to a 1/4-inch-thick layer.
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2
Score the fat diagonally in both directions.
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3
In a dry and hot small skillet, toast 1 teaspoon of the peppercorns, 1 teaspoon of the coriander seeds, and 1 teaspoon of the fennel seeds for 2 to 3 minutes.
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4
Roughly crush the spices and add to a medium bowl.
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5
Add the shallot, garlic, salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, and thyme and mix well.
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6
Place half of the curing mixture on a sheet of plastic wrap.
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7
Top with the duck breast and spread the remaining curing mixture on top of the duck.
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8
Close tightly and wrap in another sheet of plastic.
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9
Place in the fridge to cure for 24 hours.
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10
Remove the duck from the fridge and quickly rinse off the curing mixture under cold water.
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11
Pat dry.
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12
Roughly crush the remaining peppercorns and combine with the remaining coriander and fennel seeds.
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13
Rub the spices all over the duck breast (top and bottom), pressing the spices into the skin.
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14
Place the duck breast skin down in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
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15
Immediately reduce the heat to low.
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16
The duck should sizzle just slightly as the fat will start to render.
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17
Pay close attention and maintain that slight sizzle.
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18
If the skillet gets too hot or has certain hot spots, move it around or remove from the heat completely for a second or two and bring it back.
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19
Once the fat has rendered, about 20 minutes, flip the duck breast and sear for another 2 minutes or so on the other side, until medium cooked.
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20
Remove the duck from the skillet and set aside to rest.
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21
Discard any spice mixture left in the pan and reserve the pan.
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22
In a medium heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and the butter and stir until caramelized.
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23
Add the apple and cook until soft and golden brown.
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24
Remove the apples from the skillet and set aside.
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25
Add the endive and cook until wilted and caramelized.
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26
If the pan seems dry, add some water to steam the endive.
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27
Remove from the heat and let cool.
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28
Place the skillet used to sear the duck over medium-high heat.
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29
Add the bread and toast on one side only.
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30
Thinly slice the duck and place it on the toasted side of 4 slices of bread.
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31
Top with the apples and endive.
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32
Cover with the remaining 4 slices, toasted side down, and cut into halves before serving.