Slow-cooked Quince Chicken & Barley – she cooks, she gardens

Heat oven to 160 degrees centigrade.Cut quinces into wedges and steam over a saucepan of simmering water until tender (about 20 minutes).Set aside to cool.In a large bowl, mix flour, garlic and salt.Coat chicken in flour.Heat 1 tbspn of oil in a large ovenproof pan with lid (dutch oven).Fry chicken gently over low-medium heat in batches, browning each side for a few minutes.Transfer to a plate.Add another tbspn of oil, then add the onion and fry for a couple of minutes until tender and starting to brown.Add the pine nuts and cook until starting to brown.Remove from pan and set aside.Melt the butter and then add the honey.Cook for a minute or so until starting to caramelise, stirring the whole time.Add quince and cook, turning every couple of minutes, until golden.Remove from the pan and set aside.Add spices and cook for a minute until fragrant.Add the onion mix back to the pan and stir well to reheat.Add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan, followed by the rest of the glass.Add the chicken back to the pot along with the saffron (and soaking liquid) and stock.Mix gently to ensure everything is covered in the liquid.Bring a boil and put the lid on.Cook in the oven for at least 90 minutes.After 90 minutes remove pot from the oven and add the quince and pearl barley.Stir well to incorporate everything, ensuring the barley is covered.Put back in the oven for at least 30-45 minutes, or until the barley is cooked to your liking.Check for seasoning and adjust to your liking.To serve, add roughly chopped black olives and fresh parsley.