Chicken Machboos (Nut-Free)

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs
• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 1 large Onion
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1 14.5 oz can Diced tomatoes
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 1 inch Ginger
• 2 tsp Baharat spice blend
• 1 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Cumin powder
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 4 pods Cardamom pods
• 2 leaves Bay leaves
• 4 cups Chicken broth
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Raisins
• 0.25 cup Toasted pumpkin seeds

Instructions

1. 1Place a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, about 300°F (150°C). Add the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add the 1 large chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until it is golden brown and softened.
2. 2Add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and the 1 inch of grated ginger to the pot. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3. 3Stir in the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and the 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. 4Add the 2 teaspoons of Baharat spice blend, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 4 cardamom pods, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together well for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. 5Add the 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs to the pot. Cook, turning them occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they are browned on all sides.
6. 6Pour in the 2 cups of basmati rice and the 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
7. 7Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. The rice should be fully cooked and tender, and the chicken should be cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. 8Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice evenly. Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork.
9. 9Serve the Chicken Machboos hot, garnished with the 0.25 cup of raisins and the 0.25 cup of toasted pumpkin seeds.

Substitutions

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