Machboos Dajaj

Name: Machboos Dajaj
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Bahraini
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces; 500g basmati rice, soaked 30 min; 3 large onions, diced; 4 tomatoes, pureed; 3 dried limes (loomi), pierced; 2 tbsp baharat spice blend; 1 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp saffron threads in 2 tbsp rose water; 3 tbsp ghee; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cinnamon stick; 4 cardamom pods; Salt to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish; Fried onions for topping

مكبوس دجاج (makh-BOOS dah-JAHJ)

Bahraini Spiced Chicken Rice

⏱ Prep Time 1 hour 15 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 504 kcal

Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich baharat-spiced tomato broth with dried limes and rose water, served atop golden saffron rice. This aromatic one-pot feast is the chicken counterpart to Bahrain's beloved national dish.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 34.0g

Carbs 56.0g

Fat 16.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ dairy

Equipment Needed

large heavy pot skillet rice strainer

Presentation Guide

Vessel: large round platter

Garnishes: fried onions, cilantro, lemon wedges

Accompaniments: daqoos sauce, fresh salad

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
500g basmati rice, soaked 30 min
3 large onions, diced
4 tomatoes, pureed
3 dried limes (loomi), pierced
2 tbsp baharat spice blend
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp saffron threads in 2 tbsp rose water
3 tbsp ghee
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cinnamon stick
4 cardamom pods
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Fried onions for topping

Instructions

1
Heat ghee in a large pot and fry diced onions until deep golden brown. Remove half for garnish and set aside.
2
Add chicken pieces to the pot and sear on all sides until golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook one minute.
3
Stir in baharat, turmeric, and tomato puree. Add dried limes, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. Cook for 5 minutes.
4
Pour in enough water to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
5
Remove chicken and strain the broth. Return broth to pot, add soaked drained rice, and cook on low heat covered for 18 minutes.
6
Fluff rice with a fork, arrange chicken on top, drizzle with saffron-rose water, and garnish with fried onions and cilantro.

💡

Did You Know?

In Bahraini households, the quality of a cook is often judged by the aroma and color of their machboos dajaj.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large heavy pot
skillet
rice strainer

Garnishing

fried onions, cilantro, lemon wedges

Accompaniments

daqoos sauce, fresh salad

The Story Behind Machboos Dajaj

Machboos dajaj shares deep roots with the broader Gulf rice tradition influenced by Indian, Persian, and East African trade routes. Bahraini cooks distinguish their version through the use of loomi (dried limes) and a generous hand with baharat, a warm spice blend unique to each family. The dish has been the centerpiece of Friday family lunches for generations, with grandmothers passing down their precise spice ratios as treasured heirlooms.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed friday family lunch 📜 Origins: Ancient Gulf

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