This is a real Middle Eastern medley, with za’atar, pomegranate molasses, sour cherries and aubergine being classic ingredients of the region. I love each ingredient on its own, so I’ve combined them into this punchy recipe. You can find sour cherries in Middle Eastern shops (either cans or frozen will do), but make sure you choose the pitted ones. This is a very practical dish because it’s all baked in one pan with minimal mess.


Method

• Preheat the oven to 200°C.

• In a small bowl, mix the za’atar, ras el hanout, garlic salt, salt and half the olive oil until combined.
  

• Place the aubergines and shallots in a large baking pan, drizzle with the remaining olive oil and add a pinch of salt and pepper, then mix well to coat the vegetables. Arrange the chicken in between the vegetables (not too snugly) and brush the chicken with the za’atar mixture. Scatter over the sour cherries and cook in the oven for 50–55 minutes until the chicken skin is golden and crispy.
  

• In a small bowl, mix the pomegranate molasses with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
  

• When the chicken skin is golden and crispy, take the pan out of the oven, brush the chicken with the pomegranate molasses glaze, then place back in the oven for a further 15–20 minutes.
  

• Serve straight to the table.
  

Recipe adapted from My Tel Aviv Table (Nourish)