Mathlotha
A celebratory dish from Saudi Arabia, Mathlotha is a layered masterpiece featuring jareesh (cracked wheat porridge), qursan (thin flatbread), and seasoned rice, all topped with tender chunks of meat. It embodies Saudi hospitality and is often served at special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb or Chicken(cut into large chunks)
- 1.5 cups Cracked wheat (Jareesh)
- 1.5 cups Basmati rice(soaked for 30 minutes)
- 2 cups Whole wheat flour(for qursan)
- 2 large Onions(1 chopped, 1 sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(pureed)
- 6 cups Chicken or Lamb broth(for jareesh and rice)
- 1 tbsp Spices (cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper)(mixed)
- to taste Salt
- 4 tbsp Ghee or Butter
- as needed Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the meat: In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in 2 tbsp of ghee until softened. Add the meat chunks, pureed tomatoes, mixed spices, and salt. Brown the meat on all sides.
- 2
Cook the meat: Add enough water to cover the meat, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is very tender. Remove the meat and set aside, reserving the broth.
- 3
Prepare the jareesh: In a separate pot, combine the cracked wheat with 4 cups of the reserved meat broth. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the wheat is tender and has a porridge-like consistency. Add more broth or water if needed. Season with salt.
- 4
Prepare the qursan: Mix the whole wheat flour with water and a pinch of salt to form a stiff dough. Knead until smooth. Roll out the dough very thinly and cook on a lightly greased griddle or pan until lightly browned on both sides. Tear the cooked qursan into bite-sized pieces.
- 5
Prepare the rice: Rinse the soaked basmati rice. In a pot, sauté the sliced onion in 2 tbsp of ghee until translucent. Add the rice, 2 cups of reserved meat broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
- 6
Assemble the Mathlotha: On a large serving platter, spread a layer of the cooked jareesh. Top with the torn pieces of qursan, allowing them to soak up some moisture. Arrange the cooked meat chunks over the qursan. Finally, top with the fluffy basmati rice. Drizzle with melted ghee or butter.
- 7
Serve: Serve Mathlotha immediately while hot. It is a rich and hearty dish, meant to be shared.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the meat is cooked until very tender for the best texture.
- ✓The qursan should be thin enough to absorb the flavors of the broth.
- ✓Adjust the consistency of the jareesh to your preference; some like it thicker, others thinner.
🔄 Variations
- Add cooked vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the meat stew.
- Use a mix of lamb and chicken for a richer flavor.