Roast quince with spinach, labneh and dukkah

Serves 4 Starters and mains

Roast quince with spinach, labneh and dukkah

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Ingredients

  • 200g organic bio live yoghurt
  • 250g granulated sugar
  • 3 quince
  • 1tsp rapeseed oil, plus extra to serve
  • 100g thinly sliced pancetta
  • 80-100g baby spinach

For the dressing

  • 1tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2tsp raspberry vinegar
  • 2tbsp rapeseed oil

For the pistachio dukkah

  • 5g pine nuts, toasted
  • 10g pistachio nibs
  • 10g sesame seeds, toasted
  • 3g cumin seeds
  • 4g whole coriander
  • 1⁄4 tsp black pepper

Method

Mix a pinch of salt into the yoghurt and spoon into a muslin-lined sieve set over a bowl. Transfer to the fridge and leave the yoghurt to drain overnight.

Put the sugar in a pan with 1.5 litres water and leave to dissolve over a medium heat. Wash and peel the quince and cut into quarters lengthways (no need to core), adding them to the pan as you go. Cover with a circle of baking paper and place a plate on top to keep the quince below the water line. Bring to a gentle simmer, half-cover with a lid and poach for 45 minutes.

Take out the quince from the liquid with a slotted spoon. Cut carefully into the stalk end and gently peel out the core. Cut each quince quarter in two. Remove to a plate lined with kitchen paper and pat dry.

Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. Toss the quince pieces in the rapeseed oil, place on a foil-lined baking tray and roast for 40 minutes, until the quince have turned a brighter rosy colour and the edges are charred in places.

Grill the sliced pancetta for 1 minute on each side, then leave to crisp up on a plate covered with kitchen paper.

For the pistachio dukkah, put the pine nuts and pistachio nibs in a pestle and mortar and grind them lightly. Add all the other dukkah ingredients and grind to a crunchy crumb. Set aside.

Put all the dressing ingredients in a jar, screw the lid on tightly and shake until emulsified.

Put the quince and spinach in a serving dish and pour over the dressing. Toss gently, then spoon over the labneh. Mix a little salt into the dukkah mixture and scatter over the salad. To serve, drizzle the salad with rapeseed oil in a zig-zag pattern.

Recipes and Food Styling: Linda Tubby. Photography and Prop Styling: Angela Dukes.
Roast quince with spinach, labneh and dukkah
Recipes and Food Styling: Linda Tubby. Photography and Prop Styling: Angela Dukes.

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