Summaq Majboos Recipe

Introduction to Summaq Majboos

Summaq Majboos is a traditional Middle Eastern dish deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of the Arabian Peninsula. It combines fragrant spices with tender meat and flavorful rice, making it a staple at family gatherings and celebrations. The dish is characterized by its use of sumac, which adds a unique tangy flavor, reminiscent of lemon, making it distinct among other pilaf-style dishes.

Historical Background

Majboos, also known as Machboos, has origins tracing back centuries. It shares similarities with dishes like Biryani and Pilaf, indicating a rich history of cultural exchange through trade routes that passed through the Arabian Peninsula. Over time, different regions adapted the recipe to incorporate locally available spices and ingredients, leading to the creation of variants like Summaq Majboos.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups rice
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sumac
• 1 pinch saffron
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup almonds, toasted
• 2 lemons, juiced
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Preparation

Before starting to cook, ensure all ingredients are prepared. Chop the onions and garlic, cut the chicken, and soak the rice for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, toast the almonds and set aside for later use.

Marinating the Chicken

In a bowl, mix sumac, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and salt with olive oil to form a marinade. Rub this mixture thoroughly over the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least one hour in the refrigerator.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear both sides until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sautéing Aromatics

In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the onions until they are translucent. Add garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes and continue cooking until they soften.

Cooking Process

Infusing Flavors

Return the chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth. Season with cumin and let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

Cooking Rice

While the chicken simmers, gently rinse the soaked rice until the water runs clear. Add the rice, raisins, and saffron to the pot. Ensure the heat is low, cover the pot, and allow it to cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and has absorbed all the liquid.

Check your cooking time here.