Whole spice-rubbed chicken with roasted garlic and lemons

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (1600-1800 g)
• 3 tbsp. l. olive oil
• 1 tbsp hot paprika
• 1 tbsp mustard powder
• 4 heads of garlic, unpeeled, cut crosswise
• 1 cup of sugar
• 4 large lemons
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tbsp. dill seeds
• 0.5 cup red wine vinegar

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 260°C.
   
   Prepare the garlic chicken: Rub the outside of the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and salt. Use a fine-mesh sieve to evenly sprinkle the paprika and mustard over the entire surface. Transfer the chicken to a shallow baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet fitted with a rack and roast for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 200°C (400°F) and cover the chicken loosely with foil.
   
   In a small bowl, combine the garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Arrange the garlic around the chicken. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) and the juices run clear, 40-50 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
2. Make lemon sauceWhile the chicken is cooking: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, 2 teaspoons of salt, and lemons with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the cinnamon sticks and dill seeds. Simmer gently until the liquid becomes syrupy, 10-12 minutes.
   
   Add the red wine vinegar and cook over medium heat for 30-35 minutes, until the lemons are soft (test with a knife). Let the lemons sit in the hot liquid for 15 minutes, then remove them with a slotted spoon. On a flat surface, cut each lemon into 1.5 cm thick slices. Remove the seeds. Keep the lemon wedges in a little of the cooking liquid until serving.
3. ServingPlace the chicken on a serving platter and arrange the garlic around it. Place the pan with the reserved cooking liquid over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and add the drained lemon wedges. Return to low heat, add salt and pepper to taste, and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Spoon the lemon sauce over and around the chicken and garlic.
   
   Recipe chicken baked with sage and rosemary.