Djej M'ammer B'r-roz

Djej M'ammer B'r-roz Recipe from Algeria - Ingredients and Cooking Instructions

Region / culture: Algeria | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Djej M'ammer B'r-roz is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful vegetables and fragrant rice. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner, as it is sure to impress your guests with its delicious flavors and aromatic spices.

History

Djej M'ammer B'r-roz has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries, with each region adding its own unique twist to the dish. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and rice reflects the rich culinary history of the Middle East, where ingredients are carefully selected and prepared to create a harmonious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 eggplant
2 red peppers
1 onion
3 tomatoes
0.5 tbsp paprika
0.5 tbsp of your favorite spice blend
1 cup of rice
1 pinch of saffron
2 tbsp of pine nuts
2 tbsp of raisins
1 whole chicken
salt
black pepper
2 tbsp of butter

How to prepare

Chop the vegetables.
Add paprika, spice blend, 1 tbsp of salt, and 2 cups of water.
Soak the rice overnight or parboil for about 5 minutes.
Add the saffron, raisins, and pine nuts.
For added flavor, toast the pine nuts.
Alternatively, you can use turmeric instead of saffron.
Stuff the chicken under the breast skin, and season the outside and inside with a total of 1 tbsp of salt and black pepper.
Stuff the cavity with the rice.
You can either steam the chicken or cook it in the pot with the vegetables.
Cook it in the same pot as the vegetables for about 3 hours.
Move the chicken around a bit every 30 minutes or so to prevent burning.
Cook over a very low flame.
As always, you can choose to skim the fat that rises to the top.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of Djej M'ammer B'r-roz, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. You can also add additional vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms to customize the dish to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your Djej M'ammer B'r-roz turns out perfectly every time, be sure to season the chicken generously with salt and pepper before cooking. Additionally, make sure to cook the dish over a low flame to allow the flavors to meld together slowly. Stirring the dish occasionally will also help prevent burning and ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Djej M'ammer B'r-roz with a side of fresh salad, pickled vegetables, or yogurt for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also pair this dish with warm pita bread or couscous for a traditional Middle Eastern feast.

Cooking Techniques

To ensure that the chicken is cooked through and tender, be sure to cook it over a low flame for at least 3 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop and ensures that the chicken is juicy and flavorful. Stirring the dish occasionally will also help prevent burning and ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pine nuts on hand, you can substitute them with almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a similar nutty flavor and texture. You can also use dried cranberries or apricots instead of raisins for a slightly different taste profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and rice ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the dish. This will save you time on the day of cooking and allow the flavors to develop even further. You can also marinate the chicken overnight for added flavor and tenderness.

Presentation Ideas

To make your Djej M'ammer B'r-roz look even more appetizing, garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro before serving. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for added crunch and visual appeal. Serve the dish in a large platter or individual bowls for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Djej M'ammer B'r-roz pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including tabbouleh, hummus, or baba ghanoush. You can also serve this dish with a side of pickled vegetables or olives for a tangy and refreshing contrast. For drinks, consider serving mint tea or a glass of white wine to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Djej M'ammer B'r-roz in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the dish on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Djej M'ammer B'r-roz contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option. Be sure to pair this dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Djej M'ammer B'r-roz contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, which come primarily from the rice and vegetables in the dish. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal.

Fats

Djej M'ammer B'r-roz contains approximately 12 grams of fat per serving, which comes from the chicken and butter used in the dish. While fats are essential for a balanced diet, it is important to consume them in moderation to maintain overall health.

Proteins

Each serving of Djej M'ammer B'r-roz contains approximately 25 grams of protein, which comes from the chicken and pine nuts in the dish. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making this dish a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

Djej M'ammer B'r-roz is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the red peppers and tomatoes, as well as iron and zinc from the chicken. These nutrients are essential for overall health and can help support a strong immune system and healthy metabolism.

Alergens

Djej M'ammer B'r-roz contains nuts (pine nuts) and dairy (butter), so be sure to check for any allergies or dietary restrictions before serving this dish to guests. If needed, you can easily omit the nuts or butter to accommodate any allergies or preferences.

Summary

Overall, Djej M'ammer B'r-roz is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. With its flavorful ingredients and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

Summary

Djej M'ammer B'r-roz is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with fragrant rice and vegetables. With its rich history and nutritious ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Serve it with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that will impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a recipe for Djej M'ammer B'r-roz, a traditional Lebanese dish that I had never heard of before. The ingredients were simple - chicken, rice, onions, and a blend of spices that promised to create a dish bursting with flavor. As I read through the instructions, my mouth watered at the thought of the fragrant aroma that would fill my kitchen as it cooked.

I first came across this recipe when I was visiting my friend Samira, who had recently returned from a trip to Lebanon. She had brought back with her a cookbook filled with traditional Lebanese recipes, and as soon as I saw the picture of Djej M'ammer B'r-roz, I knew I had to try it. Samira, ever the gracious host, offered to teach me how to make it.

We started by marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and a blend of spices that included cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. While the chicken soaked up all the flavors, we sautéed onions in a pan until they were soft and caramelized, adding even more depth of flavor to the dish.

Once the chicken had marinated for a couple of hours, we browned it in a hot skillet, creating a beautiful golden crust that sealed in all the juices. Then we added the onions back in, along with some chicken broth and rice, allowing everything to simmer together until the rice was tender and the chicken cooked through.

As the dish cooked, the aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating. The spices mingled together, creating a symphony of flavors that danced in the air. I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

When the Djej M'ammer B'r-roz was finally ready, we plated it up and dug in. The first bite was a revelation - the chicken was tender and juicy, the rice fluffy and fragrant, and the spices added a warmth that lingered on the palate. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Djej M'ammer B'r-roz countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have added more garlic, swapped out the cumin for turmeric, and even experimented with different types of rice. But no matter how I change it up, the essence of the dish remains the same - a comforting and delicious meal that never fails to satisfy.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for all the people and places that have influenced my cooking over the years. From Samira and her Lebanese cookbook to the spices I picked up on a trip to the Middle East, each experience has added a layer of depth and richness to my culinary repertoire.

And so, as I prepare to make Djej M'ammer B'r-roz once again, I do so with a sense of joy and anticipation. For in this dish, I find not only a connection to the past, but a promise of many delicious meals to come.