Indulge in the aromatic harmony of Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice – a simple, mildly spiced one-pot wonder that effortlessly satisfies your cravings for flavorful, comforting cuisine.
Begin by grinding the specified ingredients under dry spice powder.
Now, marinate the chicken with half the prepared dry powder, sumac, chili, and coriander powders, 1 tsp of ginger-garlic paste, and a pinch of salt. Allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, take your basmati rice, give it a good wash, and let it soak in water for 15 minutes.
In a wide pan, heat your preferred cooking oil. Fry the marinated chicken in the hot oil until it achieves a golden brown color on both sides. Ensure the chicken is 70% cooked, as the remaining cooking will happen along with the rice. Once done, set it aside for later use.
In the same pan, let's infuse some flavor. Add cumin, cardamom, bay leaves, and finely sliced onions. Sauté them until those onions turn translucent.
Add 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste, the remaining dry powder, and a pinch of turmeric. Sauté until the raw aroma dissipates, and the mixture becomes aromatic.
Now, introduce the soaked basmati rice to the pan. Stir it thoroughly, ensuring the rice is coated with the flavorful spices. Add water, carefully seasoning it with a pinch of salt according to your taste. Cook the rice on medium heat until it bubbles up, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Nestle the previously fried chicken pieces into the seasoned rice. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook over a low medium flame for a duration of 20 to 30 minutes. This gentle cooking process ensures that the rice becomes beautifully cooked and fluffy, while all the flavors meld together to create a delicious Middle Eastern Chicken Rice dish.
Enhance the richness and flavor of your Middle Eastern Chicken Rice by frying cashews and raisins in ghee or oil. Sprinkle the fried cashews, golden raisins, and crispy fried onions over the cooked dish. Your Middle Eastern Chicken Rice is now ready to be savored, offering a delightful touch of richness and flavor.
To Serve
Enjoy this Middle Eastern Chicken Rice dish with a side of refreshing raita, a yogurt-cucumber mix. This cool and tangy accompaniment pairs wonderfully with the aromatic flavors of the chicken and rice, adding a delightful contrast of flavors and textures to your meal.