DAILY DINNERS

Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6.

Heat the oil in a deep lidded casserole or large, lidded, ovenproof frying pan over a high heat. Add the onion, fennel and pepper and fry for about 3–4 minutes, stirring regularly. Add the garlic and fry for 30 seconds. Pour in the wine and boil to reduce by half.

Stir in the chopped tomatoes, sun-dried tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and black pepper.

Meanwhile, put the chicken upside down on a board. Remove the backbone by cutting either side of the bone with scissors. Turn over and press down on the breastbone to flatten the bird; it is now a spatchcock chicken. Arrange the lemon slices and bay leaves over the chicken.

Put the chicken, breast-side up, on top of the vegetables in the casserole or frying pan. Season and bring up to the boil. Cover with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven for about 35 minutes.

Remove the lid and sprinkle the paprika over the chicken and drizzle with the honey. Return to the oven, for about 30 minutes to brown and finish cooking. Or you can return it  uncovered and add more stock if it goes dry.

To serve, spoon the vegetables on to a hot platter and joint or carve the chicken before arranging the chicken on top of the vegetables.

Mary’s Tips: Prepare the vegetables ahead. Bring the veg back to the boil before adding the chicken and cooking in the oven. Not suitable for freezing.