MACHBOOS RECIPE

Machboos, also known as Kabsa, is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is popular in countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. It is a flavorful rice dish usually prepared with meat, such as chicken, lamb, or goat, along with a blend of aromatic spices. Here's a basic recipe for Machboos:

Ingredients:

- 2 cups Basmati rice

- 500 grams chicken (cut into pieces) or lamb/goat (cut into chunks)

- 2 onions, finely chopped

- 4 cloves of garlic, minced

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 2 tablespoons Machboos spice mix (you can find it in Middle Eastern grocery stores or make your own blend)

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 2 dried limes (loomi), pierced (optional)

- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

- Salt to taste

- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the Basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the chicken or lamb/goat pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides. If using chicken, make sure it is cooked through.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook until they soften and release their juices.
5. Add the Machboos spice mix, turmeric powder, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground black pepper, ground cumin, and ground coriander to the pot. Stir well to coat the meat and onions with the spices.
6. If using dried limes, add them to the pot. They will add a unique flavor to the dish. However, if you can't find them, the dish will still be delicious without them.
7. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. While the meat is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the boiling water and then add the soaked and drained Basmati rice. Cook the rice until it is about 70% cooked (still slightly firm in the center). Drain the rice and set it aside.
9. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
10. In a separate oven-proof dish, spread a layer of partially cooked rice on the bottom. Then, pour the meat mixture over the rice, spreading it evenly. Top it with the remaining rice to create a layered effect.
11. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
12. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
13. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Machboos is typically served with a side of salad, yogurt, or pickles. Enjoy this delicious and aromatic Middle Eastern dish!

Machboos, also known as Kabsa, is a traditional spicy rice dish from the Arabian Gulf region. Here's a recipe for making Machboos:

Ingredients:

- 2 cups of long-grain rice

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced

- 1 large tomato, diced

- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste

- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

- 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom

- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper

- 2 bay leaves

- 2-3 cups of chicken or beef stock

- Salt to taste

- 1-2 pounds of meat (chicken, beef or lamb)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain the rice and set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the meat and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
5. Add the diced tomato, tomato paste, and all the spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper). Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
6. Add the bay leaves and chicken or beef stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Remove the bay leaves and discard.
8. Add the soaked rice to the pot and stir well to combine.
9. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
10. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy your delicious Machboos!