Spicy Chicken Wings with Fresh Hot Tomato Salsa

SERVINGS: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 20 chicken wings (tips removed)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ cup honey
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 Tbsp pomegranate molasses
• Salt and pepper

HOT TOMATO SALSA

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 8 hot red or green chilies, sliced to reveal seeds
• 8 tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• Sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, prepare the marinade by combining minced garlic, chopped cilantro, olive oil, cinnamon, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, honey, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken wings to the marinade and toss them well to coat. Allow the wings to marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Place the marinated chicken wings on a shallow roasting pan, spreading them apart.
5. Bake the wings in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until they are crisp and cooked on the inside.
6. While the wings are baking, prepare the hot tomato salsa. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan and add the sliced chilies, slightly browning them.
7. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and season with sea salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pan. Allow the tomatoes to stew for 15 minutes to release their juices.
8. Uncover the pan and let the liquid reduce and thicken slightly. Remove the salsa from the heat and let it cool. The salsa is best enjoyed at room temperature.
9. Serve the hot and crispy chicken wings with the hot tomato salsa as a dipping sauce. The salsa can also be used as a dip for fresh warm pita bread.