Rice with Duck and Apricots

George Mendes's signature dish includes poached duck breast and homemade duck confit. Buy the confit instead, and forgo the breast.

Preheat the oven to 375°. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the onion and garlic and cook over moderately low heat until softened, 5 minutes. Add the tomato and cook until softened, 5 minutes. Stir in the paprika and saffron. Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add half of the broth and gently simmer until absorbed, 8 minutes. Stir in the duck, chorizo, olives and apricots and season with salt and pepper. Add the remaining broth and bring to a boil.
Bake the skillet uncovered until the rice absorbs the liquid and is tender, 16 minutes.

Suggested Pairing

Spicy, blackberry-rich red from Portugal's Dão region.