Chicken Mandi
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken (whole or cut into pieces)
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 4 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground black lime (loomi) or substitute with lemon zest
- 1 pinch saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm water
- Salt to taste
- fresh cilantro chopped or parsley for garnish
- Toasted nuts (almonds, pine nuts, or cashews) raisins, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the ghee or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, and ground black lime (or lemon zest). Sprinkle this spice mixture over the chicken, coating it evenly.
- Pour enough water into the pot to cover the chicken, then bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the chicken simmer for about 45-60 minutes until it becomes tender and cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice to the boiling water. Cook the rice until it is about 70% done (still slightly firm). Drain the rice and set it aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the partially cooked rice over the cooked chicken in the pot, spreading it evenly.
- Drizzle the saffron water over the rice and chicken, along with a few tablespoons of ghee or vegetable oil.
- Cover the pot tightly with aluminum foil or a lid, and bake it in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
- Once cooked, remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, and if desired, toasted nuts and raisins for added flavor and texture.
Disclaimer
Some parts of recipe maybe AI-generated.
Nutrition
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