Yemeni Chicken Mandi Recipe

Step 1

Preparing the Spice Mixture

Step 5

You can also buy this spice mix but it can be hard to find.

Step 7

Some recipes use whole spices, with roasting and grinding. In this recipe I'm saving time and using what you likely have in your spice cabinet already. Simply mix all of the listed spices together. You can adjust some for your tastes; for example reduce the cinnamon, add more or less pepper.

Step 9

Marinade the Chicken

Step 13

Mix together 2 Tbsp of the spice mixture with the juice of a lemon and 2 Tbsp olive oil. Then add in the chicken and coat completely. Allow to marinate at least 30 minutes but the longer the better (overnight is great!)

Step 15

Cooking the Mandi Dish

Step 17

I used a heavy bottom Dutch oven for this dish and highly recommend you do the same.

Step 19

Heat the oil in the bottom of the pan and add the chopped onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften.

Step 21

Then add the garlic paste and tomato puree along with 2 more Tbsp of the Mandi spice mixture. Mix well and let cook down for about 5 minutes.

Step 25

Add the pieces of chicken and sear on all sides. Before covering to cook add the lomi and enough water to cover the chicken. Cover the pot and turn the heat down to low.

Step 27

Leave to cook approximately 20 minutes depending on the cuts of meat used and size. Check that they are cooked through and remove from the pot.

Step 31

Place on a baking sheet for the final step.

Step 33

Cooking the Rice

Step 37

You will have broth remaining and that's good! Rinse your rice well and drain. Add to the broth along with additional water so that there is about 1 inch of water above the rice.

Step 41

Turn the heat to low/medium and cook until you can see small indentations in the rice.

Step 43

Turn off the heat, place a hand towel/kitchen towel over the pot and put the lid back on. Leave it alone for 15 minutes while you finish the chicken.

Step 45

Finishing the Chicken

Step 47

Turn your oven to broil.

Step 49

In a bowl mix together the butter (ideally softened) with liquid smoke. Rub this all over the chicken.

Step 51

Place the chicken into the preheated oven and watch carefully. You want the surface of the chicken to be a dark brown, caramel color. But be careful it doesn't burn!

Step 53

Once it achieves this look remove it from the oven.

Step 55

Serving Chicken Mandi

Step 59

Transfer the rice to a large serving platter and place chicken on top. You can garnish with parsley or toasted almonds or pine nuts if desired to add texture.

Step 61

This might be eaten communal style but feel free to use a large serving spoon and portion out the dish!

Step 63

Serve with some added hot sauce, yogurt, and salad to round out your meal.