Coriander-marinated spatchcock chicken with coconut and coriander salad Recipe

Coriander-marinated spatchcock chicken with coconut and coriander salad Recipe

  • 2 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 2 tbsp fenugreek seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp fennel seeds
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 5 cloves
  • 3 cardamom pods, seeds removed
  • 1 tbsp ground turmeric
  • 2 bay leaves, crushed
  • 2 tbsp fresh coriander
  • 400g/14oz natural yoghurt
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 chicken, spatchcocked
  • 50g/1¾oz mitzuna leaves
  • 2 head Little Gem lettuce, leaves separated
  • ½ fresh coconut, flesh only, cut into strips
  • 4 tbsp palm sugar
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp grated fresh root ginger
  • 3 red chillies, finely chopped
  • 1 bunch fresh coriander
  • 3 limes, juice only
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  1. For the coriander-marinated spatchcock chicken, place all the spices in a dry frying pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spices start to pop and realise their oils and aroma.
  2. Place the spices in a spice grinder and grind to a powder.
  3. Put the coriander, yoghurt, oil and powdered spices in a bowl and mix. Spread the marinade all over the chicken and leave to marinate for at least two hours.
  4. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.
  5. Heat a large griddle pan and place the chicken breast-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until bar marks appear. Turn over and cook for a further 4-5 minutes.
  6. Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken. The chicken is cooked when the juices run clear when the thickest part is pierced with a skewer. Once cooked, remove from the oven, cover and allow to rest in a warm place.
  7. For the coconut and coriander salad, place the mitzuna and lettuce leaves in a bowl and add the strips of coconut.
  8. Place the remaining salad ingredients into a pestle and mortar and pound to a paste. Add the paste to the bowl of leaves and toss to coat.
  9. To serve, cut the chicken into portions and place on a serving plate alongside the coriander salad.