Green Duck Chili Recipe
Green Duck Chili Adapted from Jan Birnbaum
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Servings: Yields approximately 1 gallon
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 whole duck (about 5 to 6 pounds)
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 7 tablespoons Jan's Special Spice mix (see below)
- 1/4 cup masa harina
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup beer
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 poblano peppers, diced
- 1 jalapeno, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles
- 2 fried corn tortillas or 8 tortilla chips
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions, for garnish
- 1/2 cup sour cream, for garnish
Jan's Special Spice Mix
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Detach the duck meat from the bones and remove any skin. Cut the meat into pieces about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size. Imagine the rich, savory flavors building as you prepare this unique twist on chiliyour kitchen will fill with irresistible aromas!
- Warm the canola oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook until nicely browned, stirring regularly, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Mix in the minced garlic and diced duck. Cook until the duck meat starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the spice mix, masa harina, and flour. Stir as the flour toasts, about 3 minutes. Stir in the beer, then add the onions, red pepper, poblanos, and jalapeno. Lower the heat to medium and pour in the chicken broth along with the chopped green chiles.
- Break up the crispy tortillas or tortilla chips and place them in a blender. Spoon over enough chili liquid to just cover. Blend until smooth, then pour back into the chili for thickening. Simmer gently until the duck is very tender, about 1 hour. Adjust salt as needed. Keep on low simmer until ready to serve.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Dish up and top each serving with scallions and a dollop of sour cream for a burst of freshness that elevates every bite.
Jan's Special Spice Mix Preparation
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the cumin and coriander seeds until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Grind in a spice grinder. Stir in the paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. This custom blend packs a punch that makes your chili unforgettableworth the extra step!
Tips
- Substitute ground duck for pieces if desired, but note the texture difference.
- Fried tortillas or chips create a robust, thick body.
- Adjust heat with more or less jalapeno; poblanos add mild warmth, serranos bring fire.
- Add scallions and sour cream just before serving for peak freshness and creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with extra tortilla chips or warmed corn tortillas.
- Squeeze fresh lime to brighten flavors.
- Enjoy as a main dish or taco/burrito fillingversatile and crowd-pleasing!
