Duck Meatballs à L’Orange

Directions

1. Grind the duck meat coarsely or chop by hand (you want the consistency of sausage meat). Set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the meatball mixture.
2. Make the meatball mixture: In a small sauté pan set over medium heat, heat the sunflower oil. Add the garlic, coriander, and cumin and cook for about 2 minutes, until garlic and spices become fragrant. Add the scallions and allow to sweat until the scallion begins to soften. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool. In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, breadcrumbs, thyme, and cooled scallion mixture. Set aside.
3. Combine the breadcrumb mixture with the duck meat. Season with salt and pepper. Mix with your hands. Leave the mixture in the fridge for about 1 hour or 2 (or in the freezer for about 20 minutes) to firm up.
4. Preheat the oven to 350° F convection (375° F regular bake). Lightly oil a rimmed baking pan. Roll the meat mixture in your hands into golfball-sized meatballs and space them out evenly onto the baking pan. Bake for about 25 minutes, until golden brown. (Do not over-bake, as the meatballs will become dry.)
5. While the meatballs are in the oven, begin to make the sauce. Place the sugar in a small, dry saucepan over moderate heat. Cook, stirring occasionally with a fork, until sugar melts into a deep golden caramel. Add the orange juice, vinegar, and salt. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble vigorously. Continue to simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until caramel is completely dissolved. Remove syrup from the heat.
6. Remove the meatballs from the oven, then remove them from the pan and set them aside in a medium bowl. Pour the wine and broth into the pan to deglaze. Pour the pan juices through a fine-mesh sieve into a small saucepan. You should have about 2/3 cup of liquid.
7. In a small bowl, stir together the butter and flour to form a beurre manié (a soft dough that is equal parts butter and flour). Use your fingers or fork to form a smooth paste. Divide the paste into several small balls. Over medium-low heat, bring the pan juices to a simmer and slowly add the balls of beurre manié, one ball at time, while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the orange syrup and zest and continue to simmer, whisking occasionally, until sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove the sauce from the heat and, with a fork or tweezers, take the orange peel slices out. (Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.)
8. Serve the meatballs with the sauce on the side.