Mandi
Yemeni Smoked Rice
A traditional Yemeni dish featuring tender, slow-cooked meat (typically lamb or chicken) infused with aromatic spices and a distinctive smoky flavor, served over fluffy basmati rice. Traditionally cooked in an underground oven (tandoor), this recipe provides methods for achieving a similar smoky essence at home. It's a celebratory dish perfect for gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Whole lamb shoulder or leg, or 2 whole chickens (about 1.5 kg each)(Bone-in is preferred for flavor. Cut into large, manageable pieces.)
- 4 cups Basmati rice(Rinsed thoroughly until water runs clear.)
- 3 tbsp Mandi spice mix(Homemade or store-bought. Key spices include cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and dried ginger.)
- 60 g Ghee or unsalted butter(For basting the meat.)
- 2 Large onions(Finely chopped.)
- 2 Ripe tomatoes(Pureed or very finely chopped.)
- 2 Dried black lime (loomi)(Pricked with a fork or knife.)
- 60 g Raisins(Soaked in warm water for 10 minutes, then drained.)
- 60 g Blanched slivered almonds(For garnish.)
- to taste Salt
- approx. 5-6 cups Water or meat broth(For cooking the rice; amount may vary based on rice type.)
- 1/2 cup Wood chips (hickory, mesquite, or applewood)(For smoking the meat, if not using a tandoor. Soak in water for 30 minutes.)
- 1 Small piece of charcoal(For the smoking step.)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(For frying nuts and raisins.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Meat: Rub the meat pieces generously all over with the mandi spice mix and salt. If using chicken, you can make small slits in the thicker parts to allow the spices to penetrate. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
⏱️ 15 minutes (plus 2-24 hours marinating) - 2
Prepare the Rice Base: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears. Add the rinsed basmati rice, dried lime, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to coat the rice grains with the onion-tomato mixture and ghee.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Cook the Meat: If using a traditional tandoor, the meat is placed on skewers and lowered into the oven. For home cooking: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the marinated meat on a rack set over a baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with melted ghee every 30 minutes, until the meat is tender and browned. For the final 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) to crisp up the exterior.
⏱️ 2 to 2.5 hours - 4
Infuse Smoke Flavor (Optional but Recommended): Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the oven. Carefully transfer the meat to a heatproof dish or foil. Place a small piece of burning charcoal in a heatproof bowl or piece of foil. Place this bowl inside the pot containing the meat. Drizzle the soaked wood chips over the hot charcoal. Immediately cover the pot tightly with a lid or heavy foil to trap the smoke. Let it infuse for 10-15 minutes. Remove the charcoal and smoke bowl before proceeding.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
Cook the Rice: While the meat is smoking or resting, add water or meat broth to the pot with the rice (from Step 2). The liquid should be about 1.5-2 cm (about 3/4 inch) above the rice level. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Do not stir the rice during cooking.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 6
Prepare Garnish: While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Fry the slivered almonds until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. In the same oil, briefly fry the drained raisins until they puff up slightly. Remove and set aside.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Assemble and Serve: Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork. Remove the dried lime. Transfer the rice to a large serving platter, mounding it in the center. Arrange the smoky, tender meat pieces on top of the rice mound. Sprinkle generously with the fried almonds and raisins. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The smoky flavor is crucial to Mandi. If you don't have a tandoor, the charcoal and wood chip method is highly recommended. Ensure good ventilation when using charcoal.
- ✓Rinsing the basmati rice thoroughly removes excess starch, ensuring fluffy, separate grains.
- ✓The meat should be very tender. If it's not falling off the bone after roasting, cover it and continue cooking at a lower temperature for longer.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can cook the rice in the meat's cooking juices after straining them.
- ✓Serve Mandi with Sahawiq (a spicy Yemeni green chili sauce) or a simple tomato and cucumber salad.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- While lamb is traditional and yields the best flavor, chicken is a popular and quicker alternative.
- In coastal regions, fish Mandi is also prepared, often steamed or baked with similar spices.
- Vegetarian Mandi can be made using smoked vegetables like eggplant and potatoes, cooked similarly.