Yemeni Chicken Mandi Rice
Aromatic rice cooked with chicken and a special blend of spices, often baked or grilled to achieve a smoky flavor. While Mandi is a well-known dish, this variation focuses on the rice component often served alongside marinated chicken.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Long-grain rice(rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes)
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1.5 tbsp Mandi spice mix(cumin, coriander, black pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric)
- to taste Salt
- 1 whole Dried lime (Loomi)(pierced with a fork)
- 1/4 cup Raisins(optional)
- 1/4 cup Toasted slivered almonds(for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the Mandi spice mix and salt. Cook for another minute until the spices are aromatic.
- 4
Add the rinsed and soaked rice to the pot and stir to coat the grains with the spice mixture.
- 5
Pour in the chicken broth and add the pierced dried lime. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
- 7
Remove the pot from the heat and let it steam, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
- 8
Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the raisins (if using).
- 9
Serve the Mandi rice hot, garnished with toasted slivered almonds and chopped fresh parsley. This rice is typically served alongside marinated and grilled or baked chicken.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to good Mandi rice is the quality of the spices. Use freshly ground spices if possible.
- ✓If you don't have dried lime, you can omit it or use a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end.
- ✓For a smoky flavor, you can place a piece of charcoal heated in a flame over the cooked rice, drizzle a little oil on it, and cover the pot for a few minutes.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of saffron for a richer color and flavor.
- Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or carrots for added texture and nutrition.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.