Lucky Duck with Butter Golden Rice and Black-Eyed Peas: A New Year’s Tradition with a Gourmet Twist

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, many households across the South prepare for a cherished culinary tradition: eating black-eyed peas for good luck and prosperity in the year ahead. This year, elevate your New Year’s Day feast with Seared Duck Breast with Butter Golden Rice and Black-Eyed Peas—a dish that combines rich flavors, gourmet flair, and a nod to time-honored customs.

This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of good fortune and exceptional ingredients. Featuring succulent duck breast, buttery golden rice made with Castor River Farms White Rice, and the lucky charm of black-eyed peas, this dish is perfect for ringing in the new year in style.

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The Secret to Golden Rice: Castor River Farms

At the heart of this dish is the buttery golden rice, made special by Castor River Farms White Rice. Grown with care and quality, this rice brings an unmatched texture and flavor to the table. When simmered with butter, aromatic ginger, warm turmeric, and a hint of cayenne, it transforms into a luxurious base for the dish. The subtle sweetness from brown sugar balances the spices, while chicken broth enriches every grain with savory depth.

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The Recipe

Ingredients

• Duck Breast
  • 2 duck breasts, 4–5 ounces each
  • 2 teaspoons Chinese Five Spice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
• Golden Rice
  • 1 cup Castor River Farms White Rice
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 cups chicken broth
• Black-Eyed Peas and Garnish
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • Sliced green onions

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Directions

1. Prepare the Duck Breast
   • Score the skin of the duck breast in a tight crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the flesh.
   • Season the duck with Chinese Five Spice and salt, applying heavily to the skin side.
   • Place the duck skin-side down in a cold cast-iron skillet. Heat over medium, allowing the fat to render and the skin to crisp for about 5 minutes. Use a heavy object to press the duck if it starts to curl.
   • Continue cooking until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 125°F. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
2. Cook the Golden Rice
   • In a medium pot, combine Castor River Farms White Rice, butter, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, brown sugar, and chicken broth. Whisk well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
   • Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until the liquid is absorbed (15–20 minutes). Fluff the rice with a fork and gently mix in the black-eyed peas.
3. Assemble the Dish
   • Plate the butter golden rice as the base. Slice the rested duck breast and arrange it on top. Garnish with fresh sliced green onions for a burst of color and freshness.

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Why This Dish is Perfect for the New Year

The tradition of eating black-eyed peas symbolizes luck, prosperity, and resilience. Adding golden rice to the mix introduces a touch of opulence, and the duck breast elevates the meal to something truly special. The vibrant colors and rich, balanced flavors make this dish as symbolic as it is delicious.

Whether you’re sharing this meal with family or simply treating yourself, Lucky Duck with Butter Golden Rice and Black-Eyed Peas is the perfect way to start the year with optimism and indulgence.

Here’s to a year filled with good fortune, great food, and golden moments!