Machboos
Bahraini Spiced Rice
Aromatic Bahraini spiced rice, typically made with chicken or lamb, infused with the complex flavors of baharat spices, tangy dried lime (loomi), and a delicate hint of rose water. This dish is a cornerstone of Gulf cuisine, known for its fragrant aroma and satisfying taste.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken(Cut into 8-10 pieces (e.g., thighs, drumsticks, breasts). Bone-in, skin-on is recommended for flavor.)
- 3 cups Basmati rice(About 600g. Rinse thoroughly under cold water until water runs clear, then soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes.)
- 2 large Onions(Finely chopped.)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(Finely chopped or pureed.)
- 2 tbsp Baharat spice blend(A traditional Middle Eastern spice mix. If unavailable, a blend of cumin, coriander, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom can be substituted.)
- 2 Dried limes (loomi)(Prick each lime a few times with a fork or knife to release their flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Rose water(Use good quality food-grade rose water. Add at the very end to preserve its delicate aroma.)
- a generous pinch Saffron threads(Steeped in 2 tablespoons of warm water for at least 10 minutes before use.)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or Ghee
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(Grated or finely minced.)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- approximately 5-6 cups Water or Chicken broth(Adjust as needed to cover chicken and then rice.)
- for garnish Fried onions(Store-bought or homemade.)
- small bunch Fresh cilantro or parsley(Chopped, for garnish (optional).)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil or ghee over medium-high heat (around 190°C / 375°F). Sear the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside. Do not overcrowd the pot.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 2
Build the flavor base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down, about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 10-12 minutes - 3
Add spices and liquid: Stir in the baharat spice blend and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the pricked dried limes (loomi). Pour in enough water or chicken broth to generously cover the chicken pieces (about 4-5 cups). Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Cook the chicken: Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring back to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot, reduce the heat to low (around 150°C / 300°F), and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 74°C (165°F).
⏱️ 30-40 minutes - 5
Prepare the rice: While the chicken cooks, drain the soaked basmati rice. Remove the chicken pieces and dried limes from the pot and set aside. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate bowl, discarding any solids. You should have about 4-5 cups of flavorful broth. Return the broth to the pot and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat (212°F / 100°C). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Cook the rice: Add the drained basmati rice to the boiling broth. Stir once, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting (simmer, around 95°C / 200°F). Drizzle the steeped saffron water over the rice. Cover the pot tightly with a lid (you can place a clean kitchen towel under the lid to absorb excess steam). Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Do not lift the lid during this time.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 7
Rest and assemble: Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for another 10 minutes. This allows the grains to become fluffy and separate. Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Carefully arrange the cooked chicken pieces on top of the rice. Drizzle the rose water evenly over the chicken and rice.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 8
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle generously with fried onions and optional chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot, directly from the pot.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Rinsing and soaking the basmati rice is crucial for achieving separate, fluffy grains.
- ✓Piercing the dried limes (loomi) allows their unique tangy and slightly bitter flavor to infuse the broth.
- ✓Adding rose water at the very end preserves its delicate floral aroma. Use sparingly, as too much can be overpowering.
- ✓Ensure the rice is cooked on very low heat and undisturbed to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- ✓The broth should be well-seasoned before adding the rice, as the rice will absorb the salt.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Machboos Laham: Use lamb shoulder or leg, cut into chunks, and follow the same cooking process.
- Machboos Samak: Use firm white fish fillets, which are typically added towards the end of the rice cooking time to prevent overcooking.
- Machboos Robyan: Use large shrimp, which are added in the final 5-10 minutes of the chicken cooking time.