Chef Ammar's Nasi Mandi: A Delicious Arabian Feast
Nasi Mandi, a fragrant and flavorful rice dish, is a staple in many Arabian cuisines. It's known for its aromatic blend of spices, tender meat, and fluffy rice, making it a truly satisfying meal. Chef Ammar, a renowned chef known for his authentic and delicious recipes, shares his unique twist on this classic dish.
Ingredients:
For the Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice, washed and drained
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ghee or clarified butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom pods, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds (optional)
For the Meat:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
Preparing the Meat:
- In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces, quartered onion, crushed garlic, grated ginger, salt, pepper, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and lemon juice. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
- Set aside the chicken and reserve the remaining marinade.
Cooking the Rice:
- In the same pot, melt ghee over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Add the rice, salt, pepper, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf, and reserved marinade. Stir well.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked through and liquid is absorbed.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork and add raisins and almonds (optional).
Assembling the Nasi Mandi:
- Arrange the cooked chicken on a platter.
- Serve the fluffy rice alongside the chicken.
- Garnish with additional spices, such as saffron threads or chopped parsley, for added flavor and aroma.
Chef Ammar's Tips:
- Use high-quality basmati rice: This will ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Don't overcook the rice: It should be tender but still slightly firm.
- Adjust the spices to your preference: You can add more or less of any spice to suit your taste.
- Serve with traditional accompaniments: This dish is often served with a side of garlic sauce, hummus, or yogurt.
Enjoy the delicious flavors of Chef Ammar's Nasi Mandi – a fragrant and satisfying feast that will transport you to the heart of Arabian cuisine.
