Ramadan Recipe: Chicken Mandi

Ramadan Recipe: Chicken Mandi

Chicken Mandi may seem complicated, but it’s actually simple when you follow this step-by-step recipe. The dish features fragrant rice cooked with a special homemade spice mix, tender chicken, and a rich combination of fried onions, almonds, and raisins, all coming together to create a delicious and hearty meal perfect for Ramadan. Enjoy the warmth and flavors of this traditional dish, which will leave your guests craving for more. It’s best enjoyed with a side of Yemeni Zhoug for an extra kick! 

Read More: Ramadan Recipe: Couscous Salad

This recipe was crafted by our esteemed culinary advisor, Chef Sarah. 

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This article was previously published on saudimoments. To see the original article, click here

  • Ingredients of Chicken Mandi

    • 15 Minutes
    • 5 Serving
    • 355 Calories

Spice Mix

2 tsp whole coriander seeds
1 tsp whole cloves
6 green cardamom pods
1 ½ tsp cumin seeds
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp whole black peppercorns
1/2 tsp turmeric powder

Chicken

4 full chicken legs, skin on, bone in
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt

Rice

3 cups basmati rice (long grain)
3 bay leaves
2 tsp spice mix
1 ½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp saffron strands, plus 2 tbsp hot water
3 dried limes
1 tsp salt
4 ½ cups water and broth

Garnish

4 small onions
1 cup vegetable oil for frying
¼ cup slivered almonds
¼ cup raisins
1 tbsp olive oil

  • Method & Directions of Chicken Mandi

    • 75 Minutes
  1. Toast the Whole Spices
    تم نسخ الرابط
    In a small skillet, toast the coriander seeds, cloves, cardamom pods, cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, and black peppercorns on medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove them from heat once they become fragrant.
  2. Grind the Spice Mix
    تم نسخ الرابط
    Transfer the toasted spices to a grinder and grind them into a fine powder. Set aside 2 teaspoons of this spice mix for the rice, then add turmeric to the remaining mix for the chicken and set aside.
  3. Marinate the Chicken
    تم نسخ الرابط
    Combine the spice mix with turmeric and salt, then add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to form a paste. Coat the chicken pieces with this paste, massaging it well. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes or overnight in an airtight container.
  4. Fry the Onion
    تم نسخ الرابط
    Thinly slice the onions and heat vegetable oil in the same pot you'll use for the rice. Fry the onions for 10-13 minutes until golden brown, stirring every 3 minutes. Once done, set aside 3 tablespoons of onions on a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. Prepare the Spices
    تم نسخ الرابط
    In the same pot with the fried onions and oil, add the reserved spice mix for the rice, pierce the dry limes a few times with a sharp knife, and add them to the pot along with the bay leaves. Cook for a few minutes, then add 2 cups of water.
  6. Steam the Chicken
    تم نسخ الرابط
    Place the marinated chicken on a steaming rack in the pot. Cover the pot and steam the chicken for 50 minutes over medium heat, checking every 10 minutes to ensure there's enough water. Add more if needed.
  7. Bake the Chicken
    تم نسخ الرابط
    Once the chicken is steamed, transfer it to a baking tray, brush with oil, and bake for 20 minutes at 200°C. Then, broil for 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and cover to keep warm.
  8. Soak the Rice
    تم نسخ الرابط
    Gently wash the rice and soak it for 10 minutes. In the meantime, grind saffron into a fine powder, add 2 tablespoons of hot water, and let it set for 5 minutes.
  9. Strain the Chicken Broth
    تم نسخ الرابط
    Strain the broth used for steaming the chicken. Measure out 4 ½ cups of liquid, adding water if necessary to reach this amount.
  10. Cook the Rice
    تم نسخ الرابط
    Pour the chicken broth back into the same pot. Add the turmeric, salt, and saffron water, then bring it to a boil. Add the rice and stir to combine. Let it boil for a few minutes over medium heat.
  11. Reduce Heat and Allow to Cook
    تم نسخ الرابط
    Once boiling, place a paper towel on top of the pot and cover with the lid. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and fluff the rice with a fork, then let it sit for 10 minutes with the lid closed.
  12. Prepare the Garnish
    تم نسخ الرابط
    In olive oil, cook the almonds over medium heat until golden, then remove them. Add raisins and toast for 2 minutes. Combine the toasted almonds and raisins together.
  13. Assemble
    تم نسخ الرابط
    On a large serving platter, layer the yellow rice, then top with fried onions, almonds, raisins, and the baked chicken.
  14. Serve and Enjoy
    تم نسخ الرابط
    Serve hot with a side of green salad and yogurt and enjoy this delicious meal!
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