Dairy-Free & Egg-Free Chicken Machboos

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on)
• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 1 large Onion
• 2 medium Tomatoes
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 1 inch Ginger
• 2 tbsp Baharat spice blend
• 2 whole Dried lemon (loomi)
• 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 4 cups Chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Raisins
• 1/4 cup Almonds
• 2 tbsp Cilantro

Instructions

1. 1Measure the 2 cups of Basmati rice and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and cover it with water, letting it soak for 30 minutes.
2. 2Place a large heavy-bottomed pot on the stove over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the 3 tablespoons of Vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 1 large Onion, which has been chopped, and sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until it is golden brown and softened.
3. 3Add the 4 cloves of Garlic, minced, and the 1 inch of Ginger, minced, to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4. 4Add the 2 medium Tomatoes, chopped, to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened and started to break down.
5. 5Add the 1.5 lbs of Chicken pieces to the pot. Brown the chicken on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the chicken is no longer pink on the outside.
6. 6Stir in the 2 tablespoons of Baharat spice blend and the 2 whole Dried lemon (loomi). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
7. 7Drain the soaked 2 cups of Basmati rice and add it to the pot. Stir well for 1-2 minutes to coat the rice grains with the spices and aromatics.
8. 8Pour in the 4 cups of Chicken broth. Increase the heat to medium-high (400°F / 200°C) and bring the liquid to a rolling boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low (200°F / 95°C), cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. The rice is cooked when it is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
9. 9Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish steaming and become fluffy. Before serving, gently stir in the 1/4 cup Raisins, 1/4 cup Almonds, and 2 tablespoons of Cilantro, chopped.

Related Guides