Harissa – that wonderful North African spice paste – packs a punch in this easy-going roast chicken. It cooks in under an hour and is our new go-to dish for a relaxed lunch outside

Harissa, orange & honey spatchcocked chicken with pickled cabbage and almond tabbouleh

SERVES 4-6. HANDS-ON TIME 30 MIN, OVEN TIME 45 MIN, PLUS AT LEAST 2 HOURS MARINATING & PICKLING

MAKE AHEAD

Marinate the chicken, covered in the fridge, up to 1 day ahead. Make the pickled cabbage up to 6 hours ahead.

FOOD TEAM’S TIP To cook from start to finish on the barbecue, wait until the coals have turned white. Put the chicken directly on the grill, then close the lid (or cover with 2 sheets of thick foil). Turn the bird and baste with leftover marinade every 15 minutes or so for 50-55 minutes, or until the juices run clear when you pierce the thick part of the thigh with a skewer.

• Finely grated zest and juice 1 large orange • 3 tbsp runny honey • 4 tbsp rose harissa • 1 tbsp olive oil • Small bunch fresh thyme, leaves picked • 2kg free-range whole chicken • Natural yogurt and flatbreads (or a gluten-free alternative) to serve FOR THE PICKLED CABBAGE • 1 small red cabbage, finely shredded • Juice 3 limes • 2 tsp sea salt flakes • Small handful fresh coriander, finely chopped

FOR THE ALMOND TABBOULEH • 50g blanched almonds, toasted in a dry pan • 100g fresh flatleaf parsley, finely chopped • 2 fresh mint sprigs, finely chopped • 2 spring onions, finely sliced • Grated zest and juice 1 lemon • 2 tomatoes, deseeded and chopped • 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tsp sumac • 2 tsp za’atar spice mix (check the pack to see if it’s gluten-free)

1 In a bowl, mix the orange zest and juice, honey, harissa, oil and most of the thyme leaves. Set aside.

2 Put the chicken, breast-side up, on a chopping board. Using a sharp pair of scissors, snip off and discard the wing tips and leg knuckles.

3 Turn the chicken breast-side down. Starting at the parson’s nose (fleshy end of the rump), cut along one side of the backbone to the neck. Repeat on the other side of the backbone, then remove and discard the bone.

4 Turn the chicken back over and, with the heel of your hand, press down firmly in the centre. You’ll hear the wishbone crack and the chicken should flatten out easily.

5 Point the thighs inwards and, using a sharp knife, score a few lines in the flesh. Transfer to a baking tray and pour the marinade over the chicken, rubbing it well into the cuts and gaps. Chill for at least 2 hours (see Make Ahead).

6 Mix all the ingredients for the pickled cabbage (except the coriander). Set aside for 2 hours (see Make Ahead).

7 Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/ gas 6. Roast the chicken for 40-45 minutes or until the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the thigh or a digital probe thermometer reads 72°C.

8 Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and spoon over any cooking juices. Heat the grill to medium-high, then grill the chicken on a clean tray or foil-lined grill pan for 5-6 minutes until charred and golden. (For how to cook on the barbecue, see tip.) Rest somewhere warm for 10 minutes before carving.