ROAST CHICKEN WITH GRAPPA

Roast chicken with grappa image

A glamorous, comforting dish which works just as well with white wine if you don't have grappa

Provided by Gino Di Campo

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

100g plain flour
2 good pinches saffron strands, crushed in a pestle and mortar
6 chicken breasts, with bone and skin on
6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
4large sweet potatoes , about 1.5kg/3lb 5oz peeled and cut into large chunks
150ml/¼ pint full-fat milk
140g taleggio cheese , broken into chunks
8 tbsp grappa (Italian brandy)
4handfuls seedless red grapes

Steps:

Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Put the flour in a large bowl with the saffron and some seasoning. Coat the chicken breasts in the flour mix, then shake gently to remove any excess.
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy roasting tin, then quickly brown the chicken all over. Cover the tin with foil, then roast for about 20 mins until the chicken is crispy and golden, then removing the foil for the final 5 mins of cooking time.
Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a large pan for about 15 mins or until tender, drain well, return to the pan, then mash. Place the pan back over a low heat, season, then mix in the milk and taleggio. Stir constantly, allowing the cheese to melt gently and create a smooth, creamy texture.
When the chicken is cooked, put the tray back on the hob and add the grappa and grapes. Warm through, then remove from the heat and flambé by lighting with a taper. When the flames die down, return to the heat and simmer for about 30 secs.
To serve, place 3-4 tbsp mash in the middle of each plate and sit a chicken breast on top, then spoon over the grapes and juice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 689 calories, Fat 23 grams fat, SaturatedFat 8 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 71 grams carbohydrates, Fiber 7 grams fiber, Protein 43 grams protein, Sodium 1.44 milligram of sodium