Chicken Tabaka

To prepare this dish, you will need the following spices:

• 1 tsp dried garlic;
• 1 tsp coriander seeds;
• 1 tsp black pepper;
• 1 tsp salt;
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper.

Mix all the spices and grind them in a mortar or with a grinder until a uniform mass.

Next, prepare 2 cornish hens weighing about 500 g each:

• using kitchen scissors, carefully cut out the backbone of the hens, then flatten them with your palm;
• rub the hens with the spice mixture on both sides;
• let them marinate in the fridge for about 1 hour.

Heat olive oil (2 tbsp) in a cast-iron skillet, add butter (1 tbsp) and let it melt.

Place the prepared hens in the skillet skin side down, cover with a plate or pot lid, and apply weight using a press.

Sear over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Then carefully flip the hens and cook on the other side for another 6-8 minutes or until fully cooked.