Hey Lykkers! Have you ever tried a dish so rich in flavor that it instantly became your favorite? Or have you ever wondered how a simple ingredient like yogurt can turn a meal into something magical?
Well, today, we’re diving into Chicken Mansaf—a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with history and culture! Mansaf is the national dish of Middle East, traditionally made with lamb.
But today, we’re making it with chicken—a lighter yet equally tasty version that’s perfect for any occasion! Whether you're hosting a family gathering or just craving a comforting meal, this recipe is a must-try.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything to prepare this delightful dish:
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken, cleaned and cut into 4 or 8 pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cardamom pods
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp mixed spices
- ½ tsp coriander
- 1 hot chili pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- Water as needed
For the Rice:
- 1 kg rice
- ½ tbsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp salt
- Water for soaking
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- ½ kg Jameed (hard dried yogurt) or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp starch
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups warm water
For Garnishing:
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp sumac
- A handful of toasted nuts (like almonds or pine nuts)
Let’s Cook!
Step 1: Soak the Rice
Before we start cooking, let’s get the rice ready. Soak it in warm water with salt and turmeric. This step helps keep the rice fluffy and prevents it from breaking while cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat some oil in a large pot.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and chili pepper. Saute until the onions turn soft.
- Toss in the chicken pieces and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add all the spices and let them infuse into the chicken for about 15 minutes.
- Pour in enough water to cover the chicken and let it simmer until fully cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
- If using Jameed, soak it in warm water for 30 minutes to soften.
- Blend the Jameed (or Greek yogurt) with plain yogurt, starch, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Strain the mixture to remove any lumps.
Step 4: Roast the Chicken
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a baking tray.
- Sprinkle with paprika, sumac, and a bit of lemon juice.
- Roast in the oven at high heat until golden brown.
Step 5: Cook the Yogurt Sauce
- Strain the chicken broth to remove excess spices.
- Add the yogurt mixture to the broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Cook the Rice
- In a separate pot, heat some oil and add the soaked rice.
- Pour in boiling water and let it cook on high heat until the water is absorbed.
- Reduce the heat and let it cook until fluffy.
Time to Serve!
- Spread the cooked rice on a large serving platter.
- Place the roasted chicken on top.
- Pour some of the creamy yogurt sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish with toasted cashews for extra crunch.
- Serve with a side of yogurt sauce for dipping.
Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Mansaf!
Lykkers, this dish is comfort food at it's finest! Creamy, aromatic, and absolutely delicious. Try it out and let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking!
