The first step is to prepare the duck thighs. You will need four duck thighs, which you can season with salt and black pepper. Heat a large skillet on high heat and add two tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the duck thighs skin side down and cook for five minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the thighs over and cook for another five minutes on the other side. Remove the thighs from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes.
Next, prepare the oat crumble. You will need one cup of oats, half a cup of all-purpose flour, four tablespoons of cold butter, one tablespoon of honey, half a teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and honey and use a fork to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the duck thighs on the baking sheet and sprinkle the oat crumble over the top of each thigh. Use your hands to press the crumble into the skin of the thighs. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the crumble is golden brown and the duck thighs are cooked through.
While the duck thighs are baking, you can prepare the sauce. You will need two tablespoons of olive oil, one onion finely chopped, two cloves of garlic minced, half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, one tablespoon of honey, half a cup of stock, and salt and black pepper to taste. Heat a skillet on medium heat and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for a few minutes until the onion is softened. Add the cinnamon and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the honey and chicken stock and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for five minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
To serve, place a duck thigh on each plate and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme.
In summary, duck thighs with oat crumble is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. The crispy skin of the duck thighs combined with the crunchy oat crumble and the aromatic spices results in an irresistible taste that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress.