Machbous ala Djaj Bahrain, also known as Bahraini Chicken Machboos, is a traditional Bahraini dish that combines succulent chicken, aromatic rice, and a symphony of vibrant spices. As a staple of Bahraini cuisine, this exquisite dish is celebrated for its captivating flavors, delightful textures, and the warmth it brings to every gathering. Whether you're an experienced cook or a culinary novice, embarking on the journey to recreate this beloved dish will unveil a world of culinary wonders, transporting you to the heart of Bahraini tradition.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CHICKEN MACHBOOS (BAHRAINI SPICED CHICKEN AND RICE)
A delicious and authentic Chicken Machboos, the national dish of Bahrain.
Provided by Kimberly Killebrew, www.daringgourmet.com
Time 1h55m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 31
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and fry the chicken pieces on both sides until the skin is brown and crispy. Transfer the chicken to a plate and leave the remaining oil in the Dutch oven.
- Add the ghee (or butter), reduce the heat to medium, and fry the onions until starting to brown, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add the ginger, garlic, and green chile pepper and saute for another 2 minutes.
- Add the baharat and turmeric and cook for another minute.
- Return the chicken pieces to the Dutch oven along with the tomatoes, dried limes, cardamom pods, cinnamon, ground cloves and salt. Add the chicken stock and stir to combine. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for one hour.
- Add the cilantro, parsley and drained rice and stir to combine. Return it to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for another 15-20 minutes until the rice is done and has absorbed the liquid.
- Transfer the chicken and rice to a serving dish (either leave the chicken pieces tossed in with the rice, or place the chicken on top of the rice), and sprinkling with 1-2 tablespoons of rosewater (optional).
- Serve with a green salad and yogurt raita.
TRADITIONAL BAHRAINI CHICKEN MACHBOOS / MACHBOUS
Machboos is a dish of rice & meat, popular in many Gulf countries & across Saudi Arabia. Here is a version which is traditionally made in Bahrain. If you don't have any Buharat / Baharat spice mix, there are a few here on Zaar to choose from. If you don't want to use a whole chicken, your favourite pieces would be fine too!
Provided by Um Safia
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 2h15m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Cut the chicken in half. Heat the water and leave aside. In a small bowl, mix the buharat, turmeric, cumin, and cardamom together and add to the mixture one teaspoon of salt. Sprinkle half of the spice mixture on the chicken halves.
- Heat oil in a large cooking pan, fry the onions until golden brown, then add to the pepper and the black limes - you MUST make a hole in each limes.
- Add the chicken to the onion mixture and turn it over a few times in the pan. Sprinkle on the chicken a teaspoon of cinnamon and the rest of the mixed spices. Turn the contents all together so the chicken is coated with the spices, cover the pan and let it cook on medium heat for 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic, chopped ginger, and tomato cubes to the pan and turn the ingredients in the pan a few times. Cover again for 3 minutes on medium heat. Sprinkle with the rest of the salt and pour on it water while its still hot.
- Cover the pan and let it cook for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked. Add the copped coriander 5 minutes before you remove the chicken from the stock in the pan. While the chicken is cooking, wash the rice well and soak for 10 minutes in cold water, then drain.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and put on an oven tray, brush with some oil and sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon powder and grill in the oven until the chicken is golden brown.
- Add the rice to the chicken stock, stir, then let it cook on low heat until the rice absorbs the stock and is almost done.
- Sprinkle rose water and lemon juice over the rice and place the butter pieces on the top. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 30 minutes.
- Serve the rice on a large serving plate and place the grilled chicken halves on the top.
MACHBOUS ALA DJAJ (BAHRAIN)
This recipe is from week 20 of my food blog, "Travel by Stove." I am attempting to cook one meal from every nation on Earth, and Bahrain is my 20th stop. Machbous is a spiced rice dish, considered by many to be the national dish of Bahrain (a small island nation in the Persian Gulf). This version is made with chicken.
Provided by GiddyUpGo
Categories Whole Chicken
Time 1h50m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Melt the ghee or butter in a saucepan and frying the onions until they are transparent and beginning to turn brown. Add the baharat and turmeric and stir for another two minutes or so.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and turn to coat. Cook over a medium heat until the pieces are lightly browned on all sides.
- Add the tomatoes, cloves, lemon rind, cinnamon, cardamom pods and salt. Stir to get everything well incorporated, then add the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Wash the rice in cold water and drain. Add the rice, cilantro and parsley and bring back to a simmer.
- Keep cooking for another 35 to 40 minutes, until chicken is tender and almost all of the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from the heat and let rest for 10 minutes.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Rice: Use high-quality, medium-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine rice for a fluffy and aromatic result.
- Soak the Rice: Soaking the rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping.
- Use a Generous Amount of Spices: Machbous is known for its rich flavor, so don't be shy with the spices. Use a combination of ground cardamom, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and black pepper.
- Don't Overcook the Rice: The rice should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooking will make the rice mushy.
- Layer the Ingredients: Layering the rice, chicken, and vegetables in the pot ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld together.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and mint add a pop of flavor and color to the dish.
- Serve with Traditional Sides: Traditionally, Machbous is served with a side of yogurt, tomato salsa, and a cucumber salad.
Conclusion:
Machbous ala Djaj is a flavorful and aromatic dish that showcases the culinary heritage of Bahrain. With its tender chicken, fluffy rice, and rich blend of spices, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, give this recipe a try and experience the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Bahrain with this delicious Machbous ala Djaj recipe.
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