Zarb Chicken and Rice
A flavorful and aromatic one-pot dish featuring tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a medley of spices, traditionally cooked in a Bedouin underground oven (Zarb). This adaptation focuses on the flavor profile for home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on (thighs and drumsticks recommended))
- 2 cups Basmati rice(rinsed and drained)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 3.5 cups Chicken broth
- 1.5 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 4 whole Cardamom pods
- 1 small Cinnamon stick
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup Toasted almonds(for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
💡 Tip: Ensures even cooking and browning. - 2
Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Sear chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 4
Add chopped onions to the same pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 5
Add minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
⏱️ 2 minutes💡 Tip: Be careful not to burn the spices. - 6
Stir in the rinsed rice and coat it with the spice mixture and oil.
⏱️ 1 minute - 7
Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them into the rice. Pour in the chicken broth. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- 8
Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover the pot tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 9
Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is tender and cooked.
⏱️ 60 minutes💡 Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to trap steam. - 10
Let the dish rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and toasted almonds, if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a more authentic Zarb flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the spice mix.
- ✓Ensure your pot has a tight-fitting lid to prevent steam from escaping.
- ✓If you don't have cardamom pods, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom, but add it with the other ground spices.
🔄 Variations
- Add a handful of dried apricots or raisins to the rice for a touch of sweetness.
- Use lamb pieces instead of chicken for a richer flavor.
- Incorporate a few whole dried limes (loomi) for a distinct tangy note.