Classic Venetian Duck Ragu

1. Brown the Duck

• Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
• Cook the Duck Legs: Add 4 duck legs to the pan and brown them on all sides for about 10 minutes. Once browned, remove the duck legs to a plate and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• Cook the Onions: In the same pan, add 2 finely chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they are softened.
• Add Garlic: Stir in 2 crushed garlic cloves and cook for an additional 1 minute.
• Incorporate Spices: Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 2 teaspoons of plain flour, cooking for another minute to enhance the flavors.

3. Combine Ingredients

• Return Duck to the Pan: Place the browned duck legs back into the pan.
• Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in 250ml of red wine, 2 x 400g cans of chopped tomatoes, 250ml chicken stock (made from 1 stock cube), 3 chopped rosemary sprigs, 2 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat, cover with a lid, and let it cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. Shred the Duck

• Remove Duck Legs: After 2 hours, carefully lift the duck legs out of the sauce and place them on a plate. They will be very tender, so handle them gently to avoid losing any meat.
• Shred the Meat: Discard the fat, then use two forks to shred the meat, discarding the bones.
• Combine with Sauce: Add the shredded duck meat back into the sauce along with 2 tablespoons of milk. Simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes while you cook the pasta.

5. Cook the Pasta

• Prepare the Pasta: Cook 600g of paccheri or pappardelle pasta according to the package instructions.
• Reserve Cooking Water: Before draining, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water.
• Combine Pasta and Ragu: Drain the pasta and add it to the ragu. Stir well to coat all the pasta in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute, adding a splash of reserved cooking liquid if the mixture appears dry.

6. Serve

• Plate and Enjoy: Serve the pasta topped with grated Parmesan, if desired. Enjoy your Classic Venetian Duck Ragu!

This method ensures a flavorful and satisfying meal, perfect for a special occasion or a comforting dinner!