ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH SUMAC RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas mark 7. Pull the leaves off the cauliflower and cut the core out of the bottom. Bring a large pan of water to the boil and add the cauliflower. Cook for 5 minutes, or until beginning to soften. Drain and leave to steam dry for a further 5 minutes.

  Whisk together 2 tbsp oil, the coriander, cumin, turmeric and cinnamon. Place the cauliflower in a large round oven dish, big enough to later take the lentils. Generously rub the cauliflower all over with the spice and oil mix and season to taste. Place in the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 20 minutes. 

  Meanwhile, add the remaining olive oil and the shallots to a medium frying pan over a medium heat and fry for 7-10 minutes, until the shallots begin to turn golden brown and caramelised. Add the garlic, sumac and apricots and cook for a further 2 minutes. Stir through the lentils and stock and season to taste. 

  Remove the cauliflower from the oven and spoon the lentils and shallots around. Return the cauliflower to the oven for a further 20-30 minutes or until tender. 

  Once the lentils are cooked, squeeze the lemon juice over the top. Scatter the cauliflower and lentils with the toasted almonds, pomegranate seeds, parsley and mint. Serve the cauliflower sliced into chunky wedges. 

Steps:

• Slash the flesh of each piece of chicken diagonally a few times, around 3/4 inch apart, and then place the meat in a large bowl or plastic container. Add the lemon juice; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 tablespoons sumac; the garlic, cumin, allspice and cinnamon; and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Rub the mixture into the meat. Add the red onion and toss to coat. Cover and transfer to the refrigerator to marinate, 1 to 3 hours.
• When you are ready to cook the chicken, heat the oven to 375 degrees. Transfer the meat, onion slices and any juices to a baking sheet and roast until the juices run clear when the chicken pieces are pierced at their thickest part, about 40 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, cover the baking sheet tightly in foil and set aside while you prepare the toppings.
• In a small skillet, cook the pine nuts in the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 2 minutes, then transfer to a paper towel to drain.
• To serve, heat the naan or taboon bread in the oven until toasted and warmed and transfer to a platter. Arrange the chicken and red onion on top. Finish with a smattering of pine nuts, sumac and chopped parsley. Drizzle any remaining roasting juices so they soak into the bread, then drizzle with a little more olive oil.