Murabyan

Murabyan Recipe from Kuwait | Shrimp and Rice Dish

Region / culture: Kuwait | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Murabyan is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that combines flavorful shrimp with fragrant spices and fluffy rice. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.

History

Murabyan has its origins in the Middle East, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by many. The combination of shrimp, spices, and rice creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

Shrimp

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, mashed with 1 tsp ground coriander and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp ground coriander
2 lb (907 g) peeled shrimp (medium size)
0.25 tsp black pepper
1 lb (454 g) tomatoes, halved and cut into thick slices
1 tsp salt
4 cup water, approx.
1 cup grits, soaked in water
4.5 cup basmati rice (or other short-grained rice)

Topping

0.25 cup vegetable oil
2 yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced
0.5 tsp ground cardamom
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp ground turmeric
0.25 tsp ground cloves
1 bunch fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
Grated peel of one lime*
1 clove garlic, mashed with 1 tsp ground coriander and 0.5 tsp black pepper
1 lb (454 g) peeled shrimp (medium size)

How to prepare

Heat oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden. Stir in garlic/spice mixture and pepper. Stir in shrimp. Add tomato slices, and cook for 10 minutes over medium heat.
Add water and salt. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Add rice, stirring to mix evenly. Reduce heat and simmer until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat. To prepare the topping, sauté the onion in oil until golden. Add the spices, chopped coriander, grated lime peel, and garlic/spice mixture, stirring to mix well. Add shrimp, and sauté until cooked through (about three minutes).
Spoon shrimp/rice mixture onto a platter, arrange shrimp topping on top.

Variations

You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
For a spicier version, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the shrimp topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the shrimp just until they are pink and opaque, as overcooking can make them tough.

- Toasting the spices before adding them to the dish will help to enhance their flavors.

- Use fresh ingredients for the best results, especially when it comes to the shrimp and herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Murabyan with a side of fresh salad and some warm pita bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Murabyan is to cook the shrimp and rice separately, then combine them at the end to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have shrimp, you can use chicken or tofu as a substitute. You can also use different types of rice, such as basmati or jasmine, for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the shrimp and rice mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Murabyan pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing mint tea.

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 stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Murabyan is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Contains shellfish (shrimp)

Summary

Murabyan is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal.

Summary

Murabyan is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner. With its fragrant spices, tender shrimp, and fluffy rice, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Murabyan. It was a hot summer day, and I was going through my old recipe books, looking for inspiration for my next cooking venture. As I flipped through the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out from between the pages of one of my oldest cookbooks. It was a handwritten recipe for Murabyan, a traditional Middle Eastern dish that I had never heard of before.

The recipe was written in elegant script, with detailed instructions on how to make the dish. It called for a mix of spices and herbs that were unfamiliar to me, along with a unique combination of vegetables and meat. I was intrigued by the complexity of the recipe and the thought of trying my hand at something new and different.

I decided to give the Murabyan recipe a try, gathering all the ingredients listed and setting to work in my kitchen. As I chopped the vegetables and browned the meat, the fragrant aroma of the spices filled the air, transporting me to a faraway land. I could almost imagine the bustling markets and bustling streets of the Middle East, where this dish originated.

As the Murabyan simmered on the stove, I couldn't help but think about the history behind this recipe. Where did it come from? Who had passed it down through the generations? I imagined an old grandmother, much like myself, teaching her grandchildren how to make this dish, sharing stories and traditions along the way.

The dish was finally ready, and I took a bite, savoring the rich flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, a perfect blend of spices and ingredients that created a harmonious symphony of flavors.

I knew that this recipe was a treasure, a piece of culinary history that needed to be preserved and shared with others. I made a note to add it to my collection of family recipes, to pass down to my own grandchildren someday.

Over the years, I continued to make Murabyan, refining the recipe and adding my own personal touches to make it truly my own. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to the past, to the unknown hands that had written down the recipe so many years ago.

I shared the recipe with friends and family, who were equally enchanted by its exotic flavors and origins. They marveled at the complexity of the dish and the stories that came with it, eager to learn more about its history and tradition.

As I grew older, I began to see myself as the keeper of the Murabyan recipe, a guardian of a culinary heritage that had been passed down through the ages. I took pride in sharing this dish with others, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that was much bigger than myself.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover the recipe for Murabyan, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous moment that brought it into my life. It has become more than just a dish to me—it is a piece of my own history, a connection to a world beyond my own.

And as I continue to cook and share this recipe with others, I know that I am keeping alive a tradition that has been cherished for generations. And for that, I am truly grateful.