MOROCCAN ROAST CHICKEN WITH SAFFRON, HAZELNUTS, AND HONEY

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Moroccan Roast Chicken With Saffron, Hazelnuts, and Honey image

This dish is inspired by a recipe from Claudia Roden's classic book, Tamarind and Saffron (Viking, 1999). It's a favorite: it is easy to make, yet looks stunning, and has the most delicate and exotic combination of flavors (rose water, saffron, and cinnamon), which takes you straight to the famous Jemaa el Fna in Marrakech. Serve with rice or plain couscous. Marinating time is not included. Personal Note: If you are unfamiliar with rose water you may want to start by using a half amount.

Provided by Annacia

Categories     Whole Chicken

Time 1h5m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 large chicken (cut into quarters -breast and wing, leg and thigh)
2 onions, coarsely chopped
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
saffron thread, a generous pinch juice of 1 lemon
4 tablespoons cold water
2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
scant 3/4 cups unskinned hazelnuts (100 g)
3 1/2 tablespoons honey (70 g)
2 tablespoons rose water
2 green onions, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with the onions, olive oil, ginger, cinnamon, saffron, lemon juice, water, salt, and pepper. Leave to marinate for at least 2 hours or, preferably, overnight in the fridge.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C Spread the hazelnuts out on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Chop coarsely and set aside.
  • Transfer the chicken and marinade to a baking sheet large enough to accommodate everything comfortably. Arrange the chicken pieces skin side up and put the pan in the oven for about 35 minutes.
  • While the chicken is roasting, mix the honey, rose water, and nuts together to make a rough paste, the food processor will do this nicely. Remove the chicken from the oven, spoon a generous amount of nut paste onto each piece, and spread it to cover. Return to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the nuts are golden brown.
  • Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and garnish with the chopped green onions.

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