Yemeni Aseed with Chicken Maraq
Aseed is a comforting, dough-like staple in Yemen, traditionally made from wheat flour and water. It's often served with a flavorful chicken broth (maraq) poured into a well made in the center of the aseed. This dish is hearty, filling, and a symbol of Yemeni hospitality.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 whole Whole chicken(cut into 4 pieces)
- 8 cups Water(divided)
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(whole)
- 1 small Tomato(finely chopped)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 whole Cardamom pods
- 1 tsp Concentrated tamarind(optional)
- 3 cups White flour(all-purpose)
- 2 cups Whole wheat flour
- 3 tbsp Yogurt(optional, for dough)
- 2 tbsp Butter or ghee(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Chicken Maraq (Broth): In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, 6 cups of water, 1 tsp salt, olive oil, chopped onion, whole garlic cloves, chopped tomato, and cardamom pods. If using, add the concentrated tamarind. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- 2
Strain the broth: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the chicken pieces and set them aside. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding the solids. You should have about 4-5 cups of broth. Season the broth with the remaining 0.5 tsp salt and black pepper to taste. Keep the broth warm over low heat.
- 3
Prepare the Aseed Dough: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the white flour and whole wheat flour. Gradually add 2 cups of boiling water while stirring vigorously with a sturdy wooden spoon (traditionally called a 'Mu'sod'). If using yogurt, add it now. Continue stirring and adding boiling water as needed until a thick, smooth, and cohesive dough forms. This process requires significant effort and can take about 20-30 minutes of continuous stirring and kneading.
- 4
Cook the Aseed: Once the dough is smooth and thick, continue to cook it over medium-low heat for another 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. The dough should become very thick and pull away from the sides of the pot.
- 5
Serve the Aseed: Traditionally, aseed is served communally. Shape the hot aseed dough into a mound on a large serving platter, creating a well in the center. Pour the hot chicken maraq into the well. You can also serve the chicken pieces alongside the aseed. Drizzle with melted butter or ghee before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The consistency of the aseed dough is crucial; it should be thick and firm but still pliable. Adjust with small amounts of boiling water if it becomes too stiff, or more flour if too runny.
- ✓Kneading the aseed dough is labor-intensive. It's traditional to use a strong wooden spoon or even a dough hook on a mixer for easier preparation.
- ✓Aseed is best served immediately as it can become rubbery if it cools down and is reheated.
🔄 Variations
- Aseed can also be served with honey for a sweet variation.
- Other broths, such as lamb or vegetable broth, can be used instead of chicken maraq.