Bangkok--20 Jun--Hill+Knowlton Strategies
Thais are the most enthusiastic gift-givers in the Asia-pacific region on valentine's day, with 79% saying they intend to buy their special someone a present, versus just 10% in Indonesia[1]. This year, Bertolli Thailand, the world's number one olive oil, wants to inspire Thais to extend their famed generosity further and give the gift of health with a delicious home-cooked meal on the 'day-of-love'. Using olive oil, full of powerful antioxidants and protecting against heart disease[2], to increase the health-giving properties.
To give inspiration, Celebrity chef from C.I.Y. (Cook It Yourself) cooking show, Nan Hongwiwat, partnered with Bertolli to create the perfect valentines dish: 'Spicy Duck Breast Curry, Seasoned with Fruit.'
"I love cooking for my wife on Valentine's Day – it's more meaningful. The idea of cooking a meal that is delicious, and nutritious, is the greatest way to show you care. " says Chef Nan. "This recipe combines an authentic Central Thai dish with western ingredients like olive oil, and fresh fruit for a creative twist. This results in a fusion dish that is delicious, good for you, and perfect to be shared this Valentine's Day," Chef Nan added.
'Spicy Duck Breast Curry, Seasoned with Fruit.'
(Serves two people)
Ingredients for the duck
2 pieces Duck Breast
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Bertolli (R) Classico Olive Oil
Grapes, diced pineapple and tomatoes for decoration
Spicy curry sauce
1 ¼ tablespoon Chili paste
1 tablespoon Bertolli (R) Classico Olive oil
½ cup Coconut milk
¾ tablespoon Fish sauce
2 teaspoons Coconut sugar
Fresh fruit (3 grapes, 3 pieces of diced pineapple, 3 tomatoes to simmer with the sauce)
¼ cup Eggplant
2 Kaffir Lime Leaves
Method
1. Score the skin of the duck, season with salt, black pepper, and rub with Bertolli(R) Classico.
2. Bring a non-stick pan up to medium heat without oil. When the pan is hot, put the duck in the pan, skin-side down and fry until the skin is crispy. Then turn the meat to the other side. Continue cooking for 5-8 mins. Once cooked, remove from pan and cover with aluminium foil to lock in the heat and allow the meat to rest.
1. Make the sauce by frying the chilli paste with Bertolli(R) Classico, then add coconut milk. Simmer for a few minutes, then season with coconut sugar and fish sauce. Add the fruits to the pan and simmer over low heat. Once ready, place all contents in a blender and mix until smooth. Filter to remove any residue and return to the pan, add the eggplant and lime leaves and simmer until fragrant.
2. Slice the duck into bite-sized pieces. Place them on a serving plate, pour over the sauce and decorate with the fresh fruit. This recipe is best enjoyed with red wine.
About Bertolli
The world's number one olive oil brand, Bertolli was founded in the small Tuscan town of Lucca, Italy. For 150 years, the Bertolli name has been synonymous with Italian and international cooking and eating. At the heart of the Bertolli brand is a commitment to quality, dedication to leveraging the natural goodness of ingredients and a tradition of providing outstanding and flavorful olive oils to Thailand and the world. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/BertolliTH/ .