Cardamom-infused Chicken with Rice

Cardamom-infused Chicken with Rice Recipe from Saudi Arabia

Region / culture: Saudi Arabia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cardamom-infused Chicken with Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with fragrant basmati rice infused with the warm and citrusy notes of cardamom. This dish is a perfect blend of spices and textures that will delight your taste buds.

History

This recipe has its roots in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine, where cardamom is a commonly used spice in savory dishes. The combination of cardamom-infused rice and grilled chicken creates a harmonious balance of flavors that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

1.25 kg chicken, with skin on, disjointed and washed
4 cups water
7 green cardamom (peel the skin slightly so seeds can fall out)
2 tsp salt (to taste)
0.75 cup basmati rice
2 cups milk
3 tbsp ghee
2 pieces gum arabic (mastikah, do not leave it out)

How to prepare

Boil the chicken in water with cardamoms and salt until it becomes soft and tender (1 hour).
Remove the chicken to an oven tray.
Strain the chicken broth into a large bowl.
Pour the broth back into the cooking pot.
Add rice to the broth and taste for salt.
Cook the rice until it becomes extremely soft and mushy.
Add milk and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring continually on low heat.
Heat ghee and mastikah in a saucepan on the stove until the mastikah melts (do not use the microwave).
Add the melted mastikah to the rice and mix well.
Switch off the heat, close the pot, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Place the chicken under the grill to redden.
Place the rice onto a serving plate and arrange the chicken over the rice.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or paneer.
Add vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the rice for added color and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to boil the chicken until it is soft and tender to ensure a juicy and flavorful end result.

- Straining the chicken broth and cooking the rice in it adds depth of flavor to the dish.

- Melting the gum arabic (mastikah) in ghee before adding it to the rice helps to evenly distribute the flavor throughout the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cardamom-infused Chicken with Rice with a side of yogurt raita and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the chicken in water with cardamom and salt infuses it with flavor and ensures it is tender.

- Simmering the rice in the chicken broth and milk creates a creamy and aromatic base for the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If gum arabic (mastikah) is not available, you can omit it from the recipe.

- You can use vegetable broth or stock as a substitute for chicken broth.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and rice ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving. Store the components separately in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cardamom-infused Chicken with Rice with a glass of chilled lassi or a refreshing mint lemonade for a complete meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cardamom-infused Chicken with Rice contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cardamom-infused Chicken with Rice contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cardamom-infused Chicken with Rice contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cardamom-infused Chicken with Rice contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin B6, iron, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and tree nuts (gum arabic). Please be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Cardamom-infused Chicken with Rice is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cardamom-infused Chicken with Rice is a delicious and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with fragrant basmati rice infused with the warm and citrusy notes of cardamom. This recipe is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my friend Sarah, who had recently returned from her travels in India. She had brought back with her a treasure trove of exotic spices and recipes, and she was eager to share them with me.

As we sat in her sunlit kitchen, surrounded by the heady aromas of cumin, coriander, and turmeric, Sarah pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her bag. It was filled with yellowed pages and handwritten notes, a testament to the love and care that had gone into its creation.

"This," she said, pointing to a faded page, "is one of my favorite recipes from my time in India. It's a cardamom-infused chicken with rice, and it's absolutely delicious."

As she read out the ingredients and instructions, I felt a surge of curiosity and excitement. I had always loved cooking, and the idea of incorporating such exotic flavors into my repertoire was thrilling.

Sarah patiently guided me through the process, explaining the importance of toasting the whole spices before grinding them, and the delicate balance of flavors that would make this dish truly sing. As we cooked together, the kitchen filled with the warm, comforting scents of cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, and I felt a sense of contentment wash over me.

When the dish was finally finished, we sat down to eat, savoring each mouthful with delight. The tender chicken, infused with the aromatic spices, melted in my mouth, while the fluffy rice soaked up all the rich, flavorful juices. It was a revelation, a symphony of tastes and textures that transported me to far-off lands with each bite.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I made the cardamom-infused chicken with rice for my family and friends, tweaking and perfecting the recipe with each iteration. I experimented with different cuts of chicken, varying the amounts of spices, and even adding my own twist with a splash of coconut milk for extra richness.

Over the years, this recipe became a staple in my kitchen, a dish that never failed to impress and delight. It was a labor of love, a tribute to the flavors and traditions of India that had captured my heart so completely.

As I grew older, my collection of recipes expanded, but the cardamom-infused chicken with rice remained a favorite. It was a reminder of that sunny afternoon in Sarah's kitchen, of the camaraderie and shared passion that had sparked my culinary journey.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that it will bring you as much joy and fulfillment as it has brought me. May it inspire you to explore new flavors, to experiment with bold and daring combinations, and to create your own culinary masterpieces.

And remember, the key to a truly delicious dish lies not only in the ingredients and techniques, but in the love and passion that you pour into it. Cooking is an art form, a way of expressing yourself and connecting with others, and I hope that this recipe will be just the beginning of your own culinary adventure.

So go forth, my dear one, and cook with joy and abandon. Let the flavors of the world be your canvas, and may your creations be as rich and vibrant as the memories that inspired them. And always remember, the best recipes are those that are shared with love and generosity, just like this one. Bon appétit!