Duck breast salad with nectarines and roquefort

Photo / Babiche Martens

Serves 4

2 duck breasts
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 tsp Chinese five-spice
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 Tbsp runny honey
4 nectarines, stone removed, and quartered
2 spring onions
Bag of salad greens, plus herbs such as mint, coriander, chives, basil
100g Roquefort cheese, crumbled
150-200g noodles of your choice, cooked according to packet instructions
Flaked almonds, lightly toasted, to serve
Dressing
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

Directions

1. Score the duck breast with a sharp knife. Rub in the cloves, five-spice, salt and pepper. Let them sit for 30 minutes at room temperature.

2. Preheat oven to 180C.

3. Heat an ovenproof frying pan to a medium heat. Place the duck breasts skin-down in the pan for 2-3 minutes or until brown and golden, turn and brown the other side.

4. Drizzle with the honey and place straight into the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.

5. Mix all dressing ingredients together. In a large bowl, place the nectarines, spring onions, salad greens, herbs, noodles and Roquefort. Toss the dressing through.

6. On a platter, place the salad. Slice the duck breasts on an angle thinly and arrange on the salad with toasted almond slices.