Mandi is a traditional and aromatic rice dish that originated in Yemen but is widely enjoyed across the Middle East and beyond. This flavorful recipe combines tender chicken with fragrant basmati rice and a blend of aromatic spices. The dish is slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delightful and aromatic main course that’s perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.
Traditional Chicken Mandi Recipe
A traditional and aromatic Middle Eastern dish featuring tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of spices, slow-cooked to perfection, creating a flavorful and aromatic main course.
Equipment
- wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- large pan
- blender
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- vegetable oil
- onion
- garlic
- cumin
- turmeric
- salt and black pepper
- cardamom
- chicken broth
- coriander
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Season with ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cardamom, ground turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the chicken simmer for about 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add ghee (clarified butter) and heat over medium heat. Add soaked and drained basmati rice. Stir well to coat the rice with the ghee.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Add salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and cooked through.
- Arrange the cooked chicken pieces on top of the cooked rice in the pot.Cover the pot and let the chicken and rice steam together for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Transfer the chicken and rice to a serving platter. Garnish with toasted almonds, pine nuts, and freshly chopped cilantro and parsley.Serve the delicious chicken mandi hot, accompanied by yogurt sauce or a fresh salad.
Video
Notes
Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this traditional chicken mandi, a delightful Middle Eastern dish that captures the essence of fragrant spices and tender chicken, served on a bed of fluffy basmati rice.
Nutrition
Serving: 700g
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