Bahraini Chicken Machboos Recipe Traditional Flavors

Bahraini Chicken Machboos Delight

A symphony of flavors from the Middle East, Bahraini Chicken Machboos is a comforting and aromatic dish that encapsulates the essence of Bahraini cuisine. The fragrant blend of spices and the tantalizing aromas of cardamom, cinnamon, and the distinctive black lime create a culinary journey that is both complex and comforting. This dish, revered for its unique flavors, brings a piece of Bahrain to your dining table, offering a delightful experience that is both traditional and excitingly fresh.

Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert

Preparation Time: 1 hour, Cooking Time: 1.5 hours

Ingredients

• 300 grams of Basmati rice
• 300 grams of chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 black lime (loomi), pierced
• 0.5 grams of saffron, soaked in 50 ml of warm water
• 5 grams of salt
• 5 grams of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
• Stir in the tomatoes, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften.
• Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides in the aromatic mixture.
• Stir in the black lime, salt, and black pepper.
• Add 600 ml of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
• Remove the chicken pieces and set them aside. Add the Basmati rice to the pot, ensuring the rice is submerged in the stock.
• Pour the saffron water into the pot. Cook the rice for 15 minutes on low heat, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Add a bit of extra water if needed.
• Return the chicken to the pot and let it warm for a few minutes. Serve the chicken Machboos hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips

• For a more pronounced saffron flavor, let the saffron soak in warm water for a few hours.
• Serve with a side of fresh flatbread or a simple cucumber and tomato salad to complement the dish.

Nutritional Information

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