Omar Allibhoy’s Braised Andalucian Chicken in Spanish Olive Sauce

Young talented Spanish chef Omar Allibhoy is creating a buzz within the UK food scene and at the age of 27 already has much to celebrate. Currently Executive Chef at London’s renowned El Pirata Detapas, featured in Gordon Ramsay’s Best Restaurant, Omar has recently opened Tapas Revolution  – a tapas bar in the heart of Westfield.  Known for his culinary skills in traditional Spanish cuisine, Omar’s food has been described as ‘exquisite’ and ‘authentic’.

Here he shares one of his gorgeous recipes with Belle readers:

Pollo con Salsa de Aceitunas Españolas
(Braised Andalucian Chicken in Spanish Olive Sauce)

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS

· 50ml Spanish olive oil

· 8 free range chicken thighs

· 1 head of garlic

· 1 Spanish onion

· 2 teaspoons of flour

· 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary

· 1 glass of dry white wine

· Black pepper powder

· 1 glass of water

· 200g of pitted green and pitted black Spanish olives

· Salt

METHOD

Place a wide pan over a high heat and add a touch of olive oil, then lightly season the chicken thighs and brown in the pan. Place skin side down first, as they will release a touch of fat, which will help to colour the meat and caramelise the rest of the ingredients.

Once both sides are golden, set them aside and start frying the thinly sliced garlic and onion.

When golden, add the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute so that the flour doesn’t become doughy or lumpy.

Bring the chicken back to the pan, add rosemary and pour in the glass of white wine.

Stir the sauce to dissolve the flour and reduce the wine by half to burn the alcohol and add the acidity that the dish needs.

At this point add the black pepper, the glass of water and the olives and braise the dish for approximately 20 minutes, until the chicken has tenderised and the ingredients have come together in a juicy, rich sauce.

Taste the seasoning and beun provecho!

For our interview with Omar, click here.