Musakhan Roll

Introduction to Musakhan

Musakhan is a traditional Palestinian dish that holds a special place in the culinary world of the Middle East. Known for its aromatic flavors, this dish is a celebration of Palestinian history and culture. Traditionally, Musakhan is served flat on large platters and is composed of sumac-spiced chicken roasted atop a bed of well-seasoned onions and taboon bread. In this modern twist, we will be transforming it into the convenient, portable format of a roll: the Musakhan Roll.

Historical Background

The word "Musakhan" means "to heat" in Arabic, and traditionally, it is a seasonal dish prepared during the olive harvest, celebrating the new olive crop. The integral flavors of the dish—spicy tangy sumac, sweet-savory caramelized onions, a hint of citrusy olive oil, and an array of spices—are reflective of the rich produce available in the Palestinian region.

Ingredients

• Chicken - 500g boneless, skinless
• Sumac - 3 tablespoons
• Olive oil - 1/4 cup
• Onions - 4 large, thinly sliced
• Flatbread (such as Markouk or Lavash) - 4 pieces
• Pine nuts - 1/4 cup, toasted
• Saffron - a pinch
• Paprika - 1 tablespoon
• Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Salt and pepper - to taste

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into strips. In a bowl, combine the chicken, sumac, half of the olive oil, saffron, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and paprika to form a marinade. Toss it well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or overnight for best results.

Preparing the Onions

Heat the remaining olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent. Continue to cook the onions on low heat until they are caramelized and golden brown, which should take about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.

Cooking Process

Cooking the Chicken

Once marinated, take the chicken out of the refrigerator. Preheat a separate pan to medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes, ensuring it is browned on all sides. Use a cooking timer to monitor this step.

Assembling the Musakhan Roll

To assemble the rolls, take one piece of flatbread and lay it flat. Evenly spread a portion of the caramelized onions over the flatbread, then place a layer of the cooked chicken on top. Scatter the toasted pine nuts across the chicken layer. Carefully roll the flatbread tightly around the filling and secure with a toothpick if necessary.

Enjoying Musakhan Roll

Serving Suggestions

The Musakhan Roll is best enjoyed warm, straight from the pan. Serve it with a side of tangy yogurt, fresh salad, or pickles for added flavor contrast. This dish makes for a perfect meal or snack that is filling, nutritious, and packed with traditional Middle Eastern flavors.

Whether you're adding it to a mezze spread or having it as a stand-alone dish, Musakhan Rolls are a testament to the fusion of modern culinary convenience with timeless, historical flavor.

Try pairing with a light red wine or fragrant tea to complement the spices and herbs in the dish.