Sage Leek Onion Balls Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 230C/Gas 8/fan oven 210C. Brown the duck bits in the oven for about 30 minutes. Transfer to a stockpot. Discard the fat and place the tin over a medium-high flame. Pour in the Marsala and 200ml/7fl oz cold water, bring to the boil and scrape any stuck-on bits into the liquid. Boil for 2 minutes then scrape everything into the stockpot.
• Add 2.25 litres/4 pints cold water to the pot and bring to the boil over a medium heat, uncovered. Scoop off any scum, then add the vegetables and herbs. Bring back to the boil, de-scum again.
• Now very gently simmer for 2 hours, adding cold water if the liquid falls below the level of the bones. Remove from the heat and drain through muslin-lined colander (or use a clean tea towel) into a heatproof bowl. Cool, then refrigerate until jellied.
• Heat the butter and oil in a large, nonstick frying pan over a low-medium heat, then tip in the onions. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meltingly soft. Turn heat to high, add the Marsala and boil for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until onions are syrupy. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, remove the solidified fat from the stock and discard. Boil the stock in a saucepan, uncovered, until reduced to 500ml/18fl oz. Add the white wine and boil for 10 minutes, uncovered. Add the onions and sage and bring back to the boil. (Prepare in advance up to this point.)
• To finish the sauce, pour in the cream and boil furiously for 4-5 minutes, season to taste. Serve in a warmed jug.

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and fry the onion for 10 mins until tender. Add the leek and fry for another 10 mins until softened. Tip the vegetables into a bowl and leave to cool for a few minutes.
• Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Stir the breadcrumbs, sage, parmesan and eggs into the vegetable mixture and combine using clean hands. Season with salt, pepper and a grating of nutmeg. Divide the mixture into 12 portions, dampen your hands and roll the portions into small balls between your palms. Place the stuffing balls on an oiled baking tray. Drizzle with another 1 tbsp oil and bake for 25-30 mins, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp. Grate over a little more cheese before serving.

Steps:

• Heat the butter and oil in a frying pan. Fry the onion, bay and a pinch of salt gently for 15 mins over a low heat until the onions are softened and translucent. Add the garlic and sage and fry for 1 min. Leave to cool for 10 mins.
• Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Stir the breadcrumbs and beaten egg through the onion mixture. Season to taste. Divide into 12 balls, weighing for accuracy, if you like. Bake on a flat baking sheet lined with parchment for 25-30 mins or until golden brown. Serve as part of a roast dinner.