Transport your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of Yemen with this tantalizing Yemeni Chicken Mandi. Infused with AsmitA Organic Farms' aromatic spices, this dish is a symphony of coriander, cloves, cardamom, and more. The succulent chicken, marinated in a rich blend of Hawaij spices, promises a burst of Middle Eastern goodness in every bite. Fragrant kolam white rice, cooked to perfection, forms a fluffy bed for the star of the show. Crowned with golden fried onions, toasted almonds, and plump raisins, this Mandi is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Steps to prepare Yemeni Chicken Mandi
Hawaij Spice Blend Preparation
- Toast the coriander seeds, cloves, cardamom pods, cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, and black peppercorns in a pan for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Grind them into a fine powder. Set aside 2 teaspoons of the spice mix for the rice. Use the rest for marinating the chicken with turmeric, salt, and olive oil. Allow the chicken to marinate for a few hours or overnight.
Crispy Golden Onions
- Thinly slice the onions and fry them in AsmitA Organic Farms' A2 Gir Cow Ghee until they turn a glorious golden brown. They won't get super crunchy, but they'll be irresistibly flavorful. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the onion-infused ghee for the rice.
Aromatic Broth Infusion
- In the same pot, add the Hawaij spice blend, dried lime (pierced), and bay leaves. Toast them, then add water and bring it to a rolling boil. Place a steaming rack in the pot, carefully position the marinated chicken on it, and let it steam for a mouthwatering 50 minutes.
Chicken Steaming and Broiling
- After steaming, give the chicken legs a final flourish by broiling them for 10 minutes to achieve a golden, irresistible crust.
Fragrant Saffron Rice Cooking
- Bloom the saffron in hot water. Strain the broth used for steaming and measure it (1.5 cups of liquid per 1 cup of rice). To the broth, add turmeric, bloomed saffron, and salt. Add the washed and soaked rice, bring to a boil, then let it simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Allow it to stand for an additional 10 minutes.
Crunchy Almond-Raisin Garnish
- While the rice cooks, quickly fry the slivered almonds and plump raisins in AsmitA's Gir Cow Ghee until they exude their aromatic essence. Spoon the golden-hued rice onto a platter, lavishly garnish it with the fried onions, toasted almonds, and plump raisins. Then, regally crown it with the resplendent chicken legs.
Smoky Finish with Ghee
- For an ethereal touch, add a small bowl with AsmitA's ghee atop the rice. Light a piece of coal on fire, place it in the bowl, close the lid, and let it infuse its smoky essence for 4-5 minutes.
Additional Notes:
Your Yemeni Chicken Mandi is now ready to be savored and shared. Enjoy this sumptuous creation from AsmitA Organic Farms, a true culinary masterpiece!
