About this dish
The UAE's beloved spiced rice dish, layered with tender meat and dried lime.
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History & Origin
Machboos (also spelled majboos) reflects the Gulf's historic spice trade routes, its blend of baharat spices and dried black lime (loomi) distinguishing it region-wide.
Ingredients
🍗Chicken thighs, 1kg bone-in
🍚Basmati rice, 2 cups washed and soaked 30 minutes
🍋Dried limes (loomi), 3 whole pierced with a fork
🧅Onions, 2 large finely sliced
🍅Tomatoes, 2 medium grated
🧄Garlic cloves, 4 minced
🌿Fresh coriander, small bunch chopped
🫙Baharat spice mix, 2 tablespoons
🌶️Green chilli, 1 whole
🧈Ghee, 3 tablespoons
Method
Serves 31
Heat the ghee in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat and fry the sliced onions for 10-12 minutes until deep golden brown. Add the garlic and fry for another minute until fragrant.2
Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes. Stir in the baharat spice mix and coat everything well, letting the spices toast for 1 minute.3
Add the grated tomatoes, pierced dried limes, whole green chilli, half the coriander, salt to taste, and enough water to cover the chicken by about 2cm. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.4
Remove the chicken pieces and set aside. Measure the remaining broth in the pot and top it up with water to make exactly 3 cups of liquid. Bring this back to a boil.5
Drain the soaked rice and add it directly to the boiling broth in the pot. Stir once gently, reduce heat to low, place the chicken pieces on top of the rice, and cover tightly with a lid. Cook on the lowest heat for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.6
Turn off the heat and let the pot rest covered for 5-10 minutes. Gently fluff the rice with a fork, being careful not to break the grains, and serve topped with the chicken and remaining fresh coriander.7
Gently fluff the rice with a fork and arrange on a large serving platter with the chicken pieces on top. Remove the dried limes before serving and enjoy with a simple tomato salad or yogurt.User Reviews
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