David Bitton, Author at Chef's Pencil https://www.chefspencil.com/chefs/david-bitton/ Professional Chef Recipes Fri, 08 Aug 2025 06:29:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.chefspencil.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-favicon-chefspencil1-32x32.png David Bitton, Author at Chef's Pencil https://www.chefspencil.com/chefs/david-bitton/ 32 32 Chilli Roasted Chicken with Caramelized Vegetables https://www.chefspencil.com/chilli-roasted-chicken-with-caramelized-vegetables/ https://www.chefspencil.com/chilli-roasted-chicken-with-caramelized-vegetables/#respond Fri, 08 Aug 2025 06:29:04 +0000 https://www.chefspencil.com/?p=115168 This irresistible roast chicken is a family favorite and the signature dish of David’s wife, Sohani. Every time she makes it, the result is the same: golden, crispy skin wrapped around perfectly moist, flavorful meat. Infused with chilli oil and herbs, it’s a comforting dish with just the right kick to elevate a traditional roast....

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This irresistible roast chicken is a family favorite and the signature dish of David’s wife, Sohani. Every time she makes it, the result is the same: golden, crispy skin wrapped around perfectly moist, flavorful meat. Infused with chilli oil and herbs, it’s a comforting dish with just the right kick to elevate a traditional roast.

Paired with a colorful medley of caramelized root vegetables, this one-pan wonder is more than a Sunday staple — it’s a celebration of bold flavors and home-cooked warmth. Whether for a weekend gathering or a special family dinner, this dish never fails to impress.

Enjoy!

Chilli Roasted Chicken with Caramelised Vegetables
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Chilli Roasted Chicken with Caramelized Vegetables

This is Sohani’s signature dish — a beautifully roasted chicken with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Served with caramelized vegetables, it’s a vibrant, flavor-packed twist on the classic Sunday roast.
Course Main Course
Cuisine International
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author David Bitton

Ingredients

  • 1 organic free range chicken (approx. size 16 or ~1.6–1.8 kg)
  • 3 tbsp high quality chilli oil (Bitton brand preferred)
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and quartered
  • 1 large Spanish onion skin on, quartered
  • 3 medium Desiree potatoes quartered
  • 1 large cob of corn quartered
  • 1 small sweet potato quartered
  • 1 whole garlic bulb cloves separated but unpeeled
  • 1 sprig each of thyme, rosemary, parsley, sage leaves only
  • sea salt to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
  • Cut all vegetables into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.
  • Place the garlic cloves inside the cavity of the chicken. Rub 2 tablespoons of chilli oil all over the skin and season generously with sea salt.
  • Heat a large deep non-stick baking tray over medium-high heat on your stovetop or barbecue. Add 1 tablespoon of chilli oil and heat until just smoking.
  • Sear the chicken on all sides for about 20 minutes total, until well browned.
  • Remove the chicken from the tray and add the prepared vegetables and herb leaves.
  • Place the chicken breast-side up on top of the vegetables and transfer the tray to the oven.
  • Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 75°C/165°F in the thickest part, or juices run clear).
  • Rest for 5–10 minutes, carve, and serve with the roasted vegetables.

Notes

Chilli Roasted Chicken with Caramelized Vegetables

Related: Roasted Mexican Chicken
Related: Pan-Roasted Mediterranean Chicken
Related: Chicken Cacciatore
Related: Mediterranean-Style Whole Stuffed Chicken
Related: Roasted Quails with Moroccan Couscous Stuffing & Apricot Sauce

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Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake w/ Berry Coulis https://www.chefspencil.com/hot-chocolate-fudge-cake-w-berry-coulis/ https://www.chefspencil.com/hot-chocolate-fudge-cake-w-berry-coulis/#comments Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:41:34 +0000 https://www.chefspencil.com/?p=115193 This is the perfect chocolate cake to serve as a dessert, for a decadent afternoon tea, or whenever chocolate cravings strike. Despite its impressive flavor, the recipe is deceptively simple and yields an intense chocolate taste with a moreish, fudgy center. For a gourmet twist, add a touch of finely grated orange zest to the...

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This is the perfect chocolate cake to serve as a dessert, for a decadent afternoon tea, or whenever chocolate cravings strike.

Despite its impressive flavor, the recipe is deceptively simple and yields an intense chocolate taste with a moreish, fudgy center. For a gourmet twist, add a touch of finely grated orange zest to the batter.

Serve with a tangy, homemade berry coulis and a scoop of vanilla ice cream—fresh raspberries make an excellent addition too.

Enjoy!

Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake
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Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake with Berry Coulis

Rich, fudgy, and deceptively simple—this chocolate cake is perfect for dessert or afternoon tea. Serve with berry coulis, vanilla bean ice cream, and fresh raspberries for an indulgent treat.
Course Dessert
Cuisine International
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Author David Bitton

Ingredients

For the Fudge Cake:

  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup caster sugar
  • 9 oz good quality chocolate broken into small pieces
  • 3 oz butter
  • 3 eggs free-range or organic
  • 2/3 cup condensed milk
  • 1 cup plain yogurt

For the Mixed Berry Coulis:

  • 1/2 punnet each of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 tsp icing sugar sifted

Serving:

  • good quality vanilla bean ice cream to serve
  • fresh raspberries (to serve, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Fudge Cake:

  • Preheat the oven to 170°C (330°F).
  • Grease 8 soufflé or dariole molds. This recipe can also be made as a 26 cm (10 inch) round fudge cake.
  • Into a large bowl, sift all the dry ingredients. Mix to combine.
  • In a double saucepan or a bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, gently melt the chocolate and butter. Stir until combined and glossy.
    Cool slightly (5 to 10 minutes).
  • Add eggs, condensed milk and yoghurt to the chocolate mixture. Stir well to combine.
  • Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Gradually pour in the chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined.
  • Pour into the prepared moulds and cook for 20 minutes until the top of the cake is firm to the touch. The inside of the cake should be slightly gooey.

Prepare the Mixed Berry Coulis:

  • To prepare the mixed berry coulis, place the berries in a food processor or blender. Add the sifted icing sugar, blend until smooth. Strain through a sieve.

Assemble:

  • Carefully remove the cakes from their molds and place onto serving plates. Serve with mixed berry coulis and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Notes

Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake

Related: French Crêpes w/ Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Orange Jelly
Related: Chocolate Souffle w/ Bitter Chocolate Sauce & Whipped Cream
Related: Black Forest Cheesecake
Related: Chocolate Mud Cake
Related: Chocolate Mousse with Oranges

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French Crêpes w/ Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Orange Jelly https://www.chefspencil.com/french-crepes-with-vanilla-bean-ice-cream-and-orange-jelly/ https://www.chefspencil.com/french-crepes-with-vanilla-bean-ice-cream-and-orange-jelly/#respond Thu, 16 Mar 2023 07:34:04 +0000 https://chefspencil.com/?post_type=recipe&p=3670 The origin of Bitton Orange Jelly is a beautiful mistake. The original recipe was for marmalade. However, it was one that didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to. It did end up as an orange jelly with the luscious undertones of toffee. The caramelised orange jelly turns simple crêpes into a decadent brunch or an elegant dessert dish.

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The origin of Bitton Orange Jelly is a beautiful mistake. The original recipe was for marmalade. However, it was one that didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to.

It did end up as an orange jelly with the luscious undertones of toffee. The caramelized orange jelly turns simple crêpes into a decadent brunch or an elegant dessert dish.

Enjoy this delicious French crêpes recipe with a fresh vanilla bean ice cream and orange jelly.

French Crêpes w/ Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Orange Jelly
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French Crêpes with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Orange Jelly

The caramelised orange jelly turns simple crêpes into a decadent brunch or an elegant dessert dish.
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author David Bitton

Ingredients

  • 200 grams flour plain
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 30 grams caster sugar
  • 3 large eggs free-range
  • 50 grams butter melted, with solids removed
  • 250 milliliters milk
  • butter for frying
  • 500 milliliters vanilla bean ice cream high quality
  • 4 tablespoons Bitton orange jelly or maple syrup, or honey

Instructions

  • Sift the flour, salt and sugar into a mixing bowl.
  • Make a well n the centre of the mixture, add the eggs.
  • Using a whisk, gradually bring the dry mixture into the eggs, followed by the milk, then the melted butter.
  • Whisk gently until the mixture is smooth, being careful not to over-mix.
  • Place a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat, add ½ teaspoon butter.
  • Add a spoonful of the crêpe mixture to the middle of the pan, swirl to cover the base of the pan. When the edges of the crêpes turn brown, gently turn them over with a spatula (unless you feel confident you can flip them by tossing the pan up and down).
  • Cook until golden.
  • Turn out onto a warmed plate, fold in half, then quarters, stack and serve with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a tablespoon of Orange Jelly or maple syrup or honey drizzled over the top.

Notes

FRENCH CRÊPES WITH VANILLA BEAN ICE CREAM AND ORANGE JELLY

If you don’t have time to make your own ice cream, check out our round-up of the best and healthiest ice cream brands you can buy from your local grocery store.

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Chili Garlic Prawns w/ Couscous Salad https://www.chefspencil.com/chilli-garlic-masala-prawns-with-couscous-salad/ https://www.chefspencil.com/chilli-garlic-masala-prawns-with-couscous-salad/#respond Fri, 27 Jan 2023 14:53:03 +0000 https://chefspencil.com/?post_type=recipe&p=3705 ‘Masala’ is a term used in South Asian cuisines to describe a mixture of spices used to flavour a dish. This dish usesa garlic-based masala that echoes my wife Sohani’s Indian heritage. The taste combination of the garlic and chilli, juicy mango and a flavour blast of fresh herbs will put the sizzle in any summer entertaining you might be planning.

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This recipe was originally made with a spice mixture based on garlic, chili, juicy mango and fresh herbs dubbed chili garlic masala. ‘Masala’ is a term used in South Asian cuisines to describe a mixture of spices used to flavor a dish.

However, instead of the chili garlic masala you can use chili flakes and garlic.

Enjoy!

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Chili Garlic Prawns with Couscous Salad

Course Main Course
Cuisine African
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Waiting Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author David Bitton

Ingredients

Prawns:

  • 40 large green prawns deveined and tails left on
  • 2 tablespoons Bitton chilli garlic masala or chili & garlic finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • sea salt

Salad:

  • 50 grams cous cous
  • 100 milliliters water
  • sea salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large tomato
  • 1 red onion finely chopped
  • 1 mango peeled and diced
  • 1 bunch coriander
  • 1 lemon
  • lemon wedges
  • baby herbs to garnish

Instructions

  • Place the prawns into a large ceramic bowl and add the Bitton Chilli Garlic Masala (or fresh chili and garlic), olive oil and sea salt.
  • Mix well to coat them prawns.
  • Cover the bowl and place in the fridge to marinate for 2 hours or overnight.

Salad:

  • Place a small saucepan over high heat, add water and bring to the boil.
  • Add some sea salt to taste and a tablespoon of oil.
  • Place the couscous in a small bowl and pour the boiling water over the top.
  • Cover and let stand for about 5 minutes until all the water is absorbed.
  • Fluff up the couscous with a fork, set aside in a warm place. When ready to serve, add the tomato, onion, mango and coriander to the couscous, combine well.
  • Pre-heat the barbecue or frying pan.
  • Place the prawns onto the barbeque and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Turn and cook for a further 3 minutes.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon to the prawns when you finish cooking them.

To Serve:

  • Place a mound of couscous salad on each plate, top with three or four prawns and garnish with a lemon wedge and baby herbs.
  • You can also use an egg ring to form a neat stack.

Notes

CHILLI GARLIC MASALA PRAWNS WITH COUSCOUS SALAD

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