Eat happy paired with Sauvignon Blanc: recipe

Sauvignon Blanc, who doesn't know it? And of course always delicious as an aperitif due to its refreshing acidity and spiciness. The classic accompaniments are tomatoes, fresh goat cheese, feta, green salads, green herbs or green asparagus. Looking for the best combinations? Jolande Vos of I love food & wine will help you on your way. -TEXT JOLANDA VOS

Eat happy, chicken with za'atar and lemon-spice dressing

This simple-to-make chicken dish with vegetables tastes nice and juicy, slightly sour and spicy. The dressing provides creaminess. Therefore, because of the fresh acidity of the vegetables and green-herb dressing, a Sauvignon Blanc is the true companion.

PREPARATION 45 MINUTES

WHAT YOU NEED (4 PEOPLE)

• 2 tbsp (coconut) oil or ghee
• fennel tubers 2 pieces
• red peppers 2 pieces
• courgettes 2 pieces
• 800 g chicken thighs with skin and bone (or 500 g chicken disc fillet)
• sea salt and black pepper
• 4 tbsp za'atar spice mix
• 1 lemon
• 2 large cloves of garlic
• coriander 1 big handful
• parsley 1 big handful
• dill 1 big handful
• 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
• chilli flakes

HOW TO MAKE IT

Preheat the oven to 220°C. Put the oil in a large roasting pan or on a baking tray and put in the oven for a few minutes. Chop the fennel, pepper and courgette. And spoon the vegetables and chicken through the oil in the roasting pan. Spread the vegetables and top with the chicken. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and za'atar. Roast everything for 30 minutes until tender. Turn halfway through. Grate and squeeze the zest of the lemon. Finely chop the garlic and herbs. Whisk together herbs, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest and olive oil (possibly in a food processor or blender). Season with chilli flakes, salt and pepper.

Remove the roasting pan from the oven. Place the chicken on a plate. Sprinkle with some more za'atar. Spoon two-thirds of the lemon dressing through the vegetables. Put the chicken back on top. Serve the rest of the dressing separately. Delicious with bulgur, or Turkish bread and a green salad.

You will find this recipe in the cookbook EAT HAPPY | MELISSA HEMSLEY | FONTAINE UITGEVERS ISBN: 9789059568211 | € 9.90

Curious about more recipes that are the ultimate pairing with Sauvignon Blanc? You can read about it in the latest Winelife edition 69. Order this one here!

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