2–4 poussins (depending on weight 350–500g per person or 700g for 2), spatchcocked (ask the butcher to do this for you if you can’t)
1 lemon
1 Knorr Chicken Stock Cube
1–2tbsp olive oil
1tsp chopped thyme
1 aubergine, cut into 4 thick slices lengthways
Sprigs of fresh thyme
Fresh mint
Fresh coriander
Method
First, bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add in one of the spatchcocked poussins and blanch it in the boiling water for 5 minutes; remove and drain in a colander.
Repeat the process with the remaining poussin. This blanching process helps you cook the poussins through properly.
Set two heavy griddle pans to pre-heat. Remember you want these to be nice and hot before you add the poussins.
Now make the seasoning paste. Take the lemon and finely grate its zest. Mix together the lemon zest, the crumbled Knorr Chicken Stock Cube and the thyme in the olive oil until the Stock Cube has dissolved. Lemon and thyme is a natural combination that goes well with poultry.
Spread half the paste over the skin side of the spatchcocked poussins. The great thing about using a paste like this for seasoning is that it sticks to the meat as it cooks.
Place the spatchcocked poussins seasoned side-down on the pre-heated griddle pans. Spread the remaining seasoning paste evenly over the unseasoned side of each poussin.
Cook the poussins on the griddle pan over a medium heat for 10 minutes, drizzle over a little olive oil, then turn over. Cook for a further 5 minutes.
Rub a little olive oil over the aubergine slices and add to the griddle pans, so they cook alongside the poussins. After 5 minutes, turn the aubergine slices over.
Check the poussins are cooked through with a sharp knife and, if needed, place in a pre-heated oven at 180°C/350F/Gas Mark 4 and cook for a further 10 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.
Place the griddled aubergine slices on a warm serving platter. Top each slice with one of the cooked spatchcocked poussins. Cut the zested lemon in half and squeeze over the juice from both halves. Drizzle over a little more olive oil to taste. Garnish with the sprigs of herbs and serve at once.
If you have cooked chicken left over, you can store it in the fridge covered over for up to 2 days. Why not make it into sandwiches, a soup or a salad? You could even add it to pasta and tomato sauce, along with any leftover aubergine. For lots more hints and tips to help you make the most of your food, visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
