Djaj Mahshi (damascus-style Stuffed Chicken)
Djaj Mahshi is a traditional Syrian dish that features tender chicken stuffed with a flavorful rice and nut mixture. This dish is a staple in Damascus-style cuisine and is perfect for a special family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, about 3-4 pounds
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts, chopped (such as almonds, pistachios, and pine nuts)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the inside and outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and allspice.
- In a large bowl, combine the rice, chopped nuts, chopped onion, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with the rice and nut mixture, then truss the chicken with kitchen twine to hold the stuffing inside.
- Place the stuffed chicken in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth around it.
- Cover the roasting pan with foil and roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve the Djaj Mahshi with the rice stuffing and enjoy!
Cooking & Preparation
- Preparation time:
- 20 minutes
- Cooking time:
- 1 hour
- Total time:
- 1 hour
- Cooking method
- Stovetop
Nutritional facts per 1 serving
- Calories
- 350 per serving
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
Supplies
Roasting pan Kitchen twine Foil
Tools
Knife Cutting board Large bowl
Serving suggestions
Serve Djaj Mahshi with a side of tabbouleh salad and warm pita bread.
Tips & tricks
For a crispy skin, you can brush the chicken with olive oil before roasting and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Cost
$15