INGREDIENTS
1 x 1.6kg chicken
2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
Salt
Zest and juice of 2 lemons
2 tablespoons good-quality curry powder
1 dried bird’s eye chilli, seeded and crushed
70 ml olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
2 bunches rosemary
1–2 bunches fresh bay leave
METHOD
1. Smash the garlic in a mortar with a little salt. Add all the lemon zest and half the lemon juice. Add the curry powder, chilli and olive oil. Season with pepper and mix well.
2. Remove the excess fat from around the chicken’s backside and neck.
3. Starting at the neck end, carefully separate the skin from the meat, by sliding your hand under the skin, being careful not to break the skin. Do this to the whole chicken.
4. Using your hands, gently massage the spice paste everywhere under the skin of the chicken, and over the outside.
5. Prepare your barbecue for indirect cooking over a medium–high heat (180–200°C degrees if you have a thermometer).
6. Place the chicken directly on the grill, breast side up. Cover with the hood and cook for about 15 minutes, until the chicken begins to colour.
7. Plunge the herbs into fresh water to wet them well. Lift up the chicken and place the wet herbs directly underneath. Place the chicken over the herbs, bum side up.
8. Drizzle the remaining lemon juice over the chicken. Replace the hood and cook for 40–45 minutes, until the juices from the chicken run clear when the thigh is pierced.
9. Once cooked, allow to rest for 10–15 minutes.