Red Chicken Mandi: A Flavorful Middle Eastern Dish

 

Introduction

Red Chicken Mandi is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is both aromatic and flavorful. This dish features tender chicken cooked with a blend of spices, served over fragrant basmati rice. It's perfect for special occasions or a sumptuous family meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

For the Rice

• 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For Garnish

• Fried onions
• Fresh coriander leaves
• Sliced almonds or cashews (optional)

Preparation Steps

Marinating the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine tomato paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, vegetable oil, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking tray lined with foil.
3. Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden color.

Preparing the Rice

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
2. Add the minced garlic, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaves, and cumin seeds. Sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the ground coriander and turmeric.
4. Add the soaked basmati rice and stir to coat the rice with the spices.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and add salt to taste. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Serving the Mandi

1. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and transfer it to a large serving platter.
2. Arrange the baked chicken pieces on top of the rice.
3. Garnish with fried onions, fresh coriander leaves, and nuts if desired.

Conclusion

Red Chicken Mandi is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. The combination of tender, spiced chicken and aromatic rice makes it a perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy this traditional dish with your family and friends, and savor the taste of the Middle East in every bite!

Source:
https://cookhealths.blogspot.com/