White beans dressed with little more than fresh herbs and good olive oil reminds food stylist and cookbook author Susie Theodorou of meals she enjoyed in Tuscany, the South of France and the Greek islands. Here, Theodoru’s gremolata-style dressing is inspired by the Italian version, which is made with garlic, citrus rind and parsley and uses a combination of preserved lemons, black garlic and cilantro. The black garlic can be replaced with pitted salted olives– not the same, but they do have that “grounding” umami flavour.
Cooking tips
What is black garlic?
Black garlic is garlic that has been aged and fermented, resulting in a soft, dark, and sweet product with a unique flavor profile. The flavor of black garlic is much milder and sweeter than raw garlic, with a complex mix of umami, tangy, and caramelized notes. You can find black garlic at most specialty grocers or at an online grocer that specializes in unique products.
What is preserved lemon?
Preserved lemons are lemons that have been pickled in salt and their own juice, a method commonly used in Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean cuisines. The texture of preserved lemons becomes tender, and the rind becomes edible. It is an ingredient secret weapon with a variety of uses, including in a vesper martini.
How do I carve a whole cooked chicken?
Don’t be intimidated – this useful kitchen skill is simpler than you think. Follow a good tutorial, and with lots of practice, you’ll be a pro in no time. Using kitchen shears will also make quick work of cutting up a rotisserie chicken.

Rotisserie Chicken With Herbed Beans
Equipment
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 small preserved lemon halved and seeds discarded
- 1 small black garlic bulb skin discarded
- 1 handful cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- juice of ½ lemon
- pinch crushed hot pepper flakes
- 2 cans (15 oz/425 g each) white beans, chickpeas or borlotti beans drained and rinsed
- 1 rotisserie chicken of your choice carved into 8 pieces or coarsely sliced
- cilantro sprigs for serving
Instructions
- Finely chop lemon, garlic and cilantro, then mix together with oil, lemon juice and hot pepper flakes.
- Set aside 2 tbsp of the gremolata and stir the rest into the beans. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed. Place beans on serving platter and arrange chicken on top. Drizzle with reserved gremolata and top with cilantro sprigs to serve.