Mary Berry has reinvented the classic Sunday roast with a Mediterranean twist that cuts preparation time and washing-up to a minimum. The entire dish is cooked in a single large roasting tin, making it ideal for busy families who want a hearty meal without the fuss.
The recipe, shared by The Happy Foodie, combines chicken pieces with potatoes, onion, garlic, bacon and preserved lemons, all seasoned with paprika. After a brief initial preparation, the tray goes into the oven at 220°C for 40 minutes, leaving the cook free to attend to other tasks.
Courgettes are then tossed in oil, tucked around the chicken, and scattered with olives before the tray returns to the oven for a further 20 minutes. The result is golden-brown chicken and soft vegetables, all infused with Mediterranean flavours.
Berry emphasises the importance of not overcrowding the tray, advising that the ingredients should sit in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If necessary, home cooks can divide the mixture between two trays.
With only one pan to wash and under an hour of oven time, this dish offers a practical yet satisfying alternative to the traditional Sunday roast, delivering maximum taste with minimal effort.
