Machbous (Spiced Rice with Meat or Chicken)

Experience the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with Machbous, a beloved dish featuring aromatic spiced rice cooked with tender meat or chicken. Perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions, Machbous delivers a comforting yet exotic taste that captures the essence of traditional Gulf cooking.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
• 1 lb chicken pieces or lamb, cut into serving sizes
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 dried limes (loomi), pierced with a fork

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat

   Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken or lamb pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics

   In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions until golden brown. Add the garlic and tomatoes, cooking until the tomatoes soften. Stir in turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and salt.

3. Combine Meat and Broth

   Return the meat to the pot and add the broth and dried limes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the meat is tender (about 30–45 minutes for chicken, 1–1.5 hours for lamb).

4. Prepare the Rice

   Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Gently mix, cover, and cook over low heat until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the flavors (about 20 minutes).

5. Serve

   Sprinkle chopped cilantro and parsley over the Machbous before serving. Remove the dried limes. Serve hot as a main course, accompanied by fresh salad or yogurt for a complete meal.

Serving

Savor the rich aroma and depth of flavor in Machbous, a dish that beautifully represents Gulf culinary heritage and brings people together around the table.