Mandi Dajaj (fragrant Saffron Chicken And Rice Pilaf)

Mandi Dajaj is a traditional Emirati dish that features fragrant saffron chicken and rice pilaf. This dish is known for its aromatic flavors and tender, juicy chicken.

Halal Gluten Free Main Course Emirati Emirati Cuisine Chicken Rice Pilaf Saffron
Mandi Dajaj (fragrant Saffron Chicken And Rice Pilaf)

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup ghee or clarified butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until golden brown.
  2. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown on all sides.
  4. Dissolve the saffron threads in the chicken broth, then pour the saffron broth over the chicken in the pot.
  5. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes.
  6. While the chicken is simmering, rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear. Drain the rice and set aside.
  7. After 30 minutes, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to combine with the saffron broth.
  8. Place the chicken pieces on top of the rice, cover the pot, and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
  9. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and serve the Mandi Dajaj hot.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
15 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
450 per serving
Carbohydrates
55g
Protein
25g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Large pot Stove Cooking spoon Cutting board Knife

Tools

Large pot Cooking spoon Cutting board Knife

Serving suggestions

Serve the Mandi Dajaj with a side of fresh salad and yogurt for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For an extra special touch, garnish the Mandi Dajaj with toasted almonds and raisins before serving.

Cost

$20