Chicken Mechbous

Kuwaiti Chicken Mechbous Recipe with Aromatic Spices and Basmati Rice

Region / culture: Kuwait | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Mechbous is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is popular in countries like Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. It is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with fragrant rice and a delicious onion-spice topping.

History

Chicken Mechbous has its origins in the Arabian Gulf region, where it is a staple dish for special occasions and family gatherings. The dish is believed to have been influenced by Indian and Persian culinary traditions, resulting in a unique and delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients

Chicken

1 whole chicken
salt
1 cinnamon stick
2 cardamom pods
2 or 3 whole cloves
5 black peppercorns
flour
3 cups basmati rice (or other short-grained rice)

Onion-spice topping (hashu)

2 large yellow onions, finely chopped
1 tbsp vegetable oil
0.25 cup golden raisins, soaked in water
0.25 tsp ground cardamom
0.25 tsp dried black lime (loomi), or 0.5 tsp lime zest**
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
0.5 tsp sugar

tomato sauce (duqqus)

2 large tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp water
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp tomato paste

How to prepare

Rinse the chicken inside and out. Place it in a stockpot with enough water to cover. Add a cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and peppercorns. Bring it to a boil and continue boiling uncovered over medium heat until the chicken is cooked (approximately 40 minutes). Remove and drain the chicken, while reserving the broth.
Drain the fat from the top of the broth and strain it to remove the spices. Prepare three cups of basmati rice according to the package directions, using the chicken broth instead of water. Add salt if needed.
While the rice is cooking, cook the onions in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they become clear. Sprinkle a little water and stir quickly until the onions turn brown and the water evaporates. Stir in oil, drained raisins, and spices. Cook for one minute. Remove the mixture from the skillet and set it aside.
Lightly coat the boiled and drained chicken with flour. In a clean skillet over medium-high heat, brown the chicken by turning it frequently until the outside becomes brown and crispy.
For the tomato sauce, add water, chopped tomatoes, crushed garlic, and tomato paste in a small skillet or saucepan. Sauté until the tomatoes are soft and the sauce is well blended.
When the rice is done, spread it on a serving platter. Sprinkle the onion-spice mixture over the rice and place the chicken on top. Serve with tomato sauce on the side.

Variations

You can add raisins or nuts to the onion-spice topping for a sweeter flavor.
You can use different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of the dish.
You can use different types of rice, such as basmati or jasmine, for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse the chicken thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.

- Browning the chicken before serving adds a crispy texture and enhances the flavor of the dish.

- Cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water adds extra flavor to the dish.

- Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Mechbous is traditionally served with a side of tomato sauce and a fresh salad. It can also be paired with yogurt or pickled vegetables for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the chicken in spices and broth adds flavor and tenderness to the meat.

- Browning the chicken before serving adds a crispy texture and enhances the flavor of the dish.

- Cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water adds extra flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken.

- You can use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth for cooking the rice.

- You can use different types of onions or spices for the onion-spice topping.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and rice ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving.

- You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Mechbous on a large platter with the rice as the base, topped with the chicken and onion-spice mixture. - Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Mechbous pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as tabbouleh, hummus, or grilled vegetables.

- It can also be served with flatbread or pita for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Chicken Mechbous typically contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in Chicken Mechbous mainly come from the rice used in the dish. One serving typically contains around 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in Chicken Mechbous come from the chicken and vegetable oil used in cooking. One serving typically contains around 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

The proteins in Chicken Mechbous come from the chicken. One serving typically contains around 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Mechbous is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Chicken Mechbous contains gluten from the flour used to coat the chicken. It may also contain allergens such as onions and garlic.

Summary

Overall, Chicken Mechbous is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Mechbous is a delicious and aromatic Middle Eastern dish that combines tender chicken with fragrant rice and a flavorful onion-spice topping. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, it is a satisfying and nutritious meal for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

. The rich aroma of spices and herbs filled the air, mingling with the sizzling sound of meat cooking in a pot. I watched in awe as my mother deftly chopped onions, garlic, and tomatoes, adding them to the pot with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of saffron.

I had always loved watching my mother cook. She had a way of moving in the kitchen that was both graceful and efficient, her hands moving with a practiced ease as she transformed simple ingredients into delicious meals. But this recipe was different. It was a special dish that she only made on special occasions, and I could tell by the care and attention she put into each step that it was something truly extraordinary.

As I stood by her side, taking in the sights and smells of the kitchen, my mother began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that it was a traditional dish from her home country of Kuwait, passed down through generations of women in our family. Each ingredient had been carefully chosen for its flavor and nutritional benefits, and each step in the process had been perfected over time to create a dish that was both comforting and nourishing.

I listened intently as my mother shared her memories of learning to make Chicken Mechbous from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. She spoke of the hours spent in the kitchen, the laughter shared over a steaming pot of rice, and the sense of pride that came from carrying on a culinary tradition that had been handed down through the ages.

As my mother finished cooking the Chicken Mechbous and ladled it onto plates for our family to enjoy, I knew that this recipe was more than just a meal. It was a connection to our past, a way of honoring the women who had come before us and preserving a piece of our family history.

From that day on, I was determined to learn how to make Chicken Mechbous myself. I spent hours in the kitchen with my mother, watching and helping as she guided me through each step of the process. I learned to season the meat just right, to sauté the onions until they were golden brown, and to simmer the dish slowly until the flavors melded together in perfect harmony.

Over time, I began to add my own touch to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and flavor combinations to create a dish that was uniquely my own. And as I cooked, I felt a connection to my mother and grandmother that transcended time and space, a sense of continuity that bound us together through the shared love of food and family.

Now, whenever I make Chicken Mechbous for my own loved ones, I think back to that day in the kitchen with my mother, the day that sparked my love for cooking and set me on a path to preserving our family's culinary heritage. And as I serve the dish to my grandchildren, I pass on not just a recipe, but a piece of our family story, a taste of the traditions that have shaped us and will continue to bind us together for generations to come.