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Karen Martini’s Syrian Chicken With Saffron

Serves: 4 people

 INGREDIENTS :

2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1.4–1.6 kg chicken, cut into 8 pieces
100 ml extra virgin olive oil
2 brown onions, thickly sliced
100 grams ginger, cut into matchsticks
5 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed with the side of a knife
2 small red chillies, split
2 tomatoes, coarsely chopped
100mg Squirrel Gully Saffron 
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
5 sprigs thyme, leaves only
1 lemon, juiced and zested
2 tablespoons honey
100 grams currants
2 tablespoons vegetable stock powder
½ bunch coriander, leaves only
couscous or rice, to serve

METHOD :

Combine the salt, cumin, cinnamon, pepper and turmeric in a large plastic bag. Add the chicken pieces and shake to coat. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based saucepan over high heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add the onion, ginger, garlic and chilli to the pan and cook for 3 minutes, adding a little more oil, if necessary. Add the tomatoes, saffron threads, cumin seeds and thyme and cook for 2 minutes.

 Return the chicken to the pan and add the lemon juice and zest, honey, currants, stock powder and enough water to just cover the chicken. Cover with a lid and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. Uncover and simmer for 15- 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the sauce is slightly reduced.Stir in the coriander and serve with couscous or rice.