Polly Markus has a refreshingly unfussy approach to food: whether it’s a packed lunch or Sunday dinner, it should always be enjoyable.

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After growing up in a food-focussed family, Markus worked as a chef on luxury yachts. “I settled on a style of cooking that has the ability to transform humble ingredients and straightforward cooking methods into truly flavourful feasts.”

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You can see that best in her most recent book, Seriously Delicious, which features recipes you’ll likely have ingredients for. This simple roasted chicken dish elevates the humble chicken leg – without adding a whole lot of complicated ingredients.  

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Chicken with mandarin

Serves 4

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1 small red onion, thinly sliced

2 mandarins, thinly sliced

3 Tbsp harissa paste

3 Tbsp lemon juice

3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp honey, plus more (heaped) to drizzle

‍¹/₃ cup pitted olives, halved

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 whole chicken legs, skin on

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What to do

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1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.

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2. Mix the first 8 ingredients together. Add the chicken. Ideally marinate for a few hours. (But let’s be honest, who has time for that midweek?)

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3. Place the chicken onto a lined baking tray. Pour the marinade over the top. Season well with salt and pepper. Squeeze some extra honey over the top.

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4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked.

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5. Garnish with dill leaves.

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Seriously Delicious

misspollyskitchen.com

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