This is a great Indian inspired twist on the traditional roast where the chicken is marinated in yoghurt and spices making it meltingly tender. Given time to marinade the spices permeate and really penetrate the flesh of the chicken.
For the chicken:
1.5kg whole chicken
2 large onions, peeled and cut into thick slices
1 tbsp rapeseed oil
1 lemon, halved
For the marinade:
2 large garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp freshly grated root ginger
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp hot paprika
1 tbsp ground turmeric
2 tbsp rapeseed oil
250ml natural yogurt
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the couscous:
3 cardamom pods
200g couscous
2 tsp vegetable stock granules
handful fresh coriander leaves, roughly chopped
100g toasted silvered almonds
Large bowl x 2
Large food bag, or covered in a non-metallic dish
Oval casserole dish or roasting tin
Cling film
Foil