BestChicken Mandi by zarkitchen |Original Arabic Mandi Recipe|مندي الدجاج|चिकन मंडी | Yemeni Mandi |

basmati rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: long-grain rice

Quinoa offers a healthier protein option while long-grain rice is more affordable.

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner while chicken thighs are often less expensive.

saffron

🥗Healthier: turmeric

💰Cheaper: yellow food coloring

Turmeric provides color and flavor at a lower cost.

spices

🥗Healthier: fresh herbs

💰Cheaper: mixed spice blend

Fresh herbs can add flavor without added calories, and spice blends are often cheaper.

Chop ginger, garlic, and green chili finely.

Chop onions finely.

Heat 6-7 tablespoons of oil in a pot until hot.

Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

Add whole spices (black pepper, cardamom, cumin, cloves, bay leaves) in a strainer.

Add ginger-garlic-green chili paste to the onions and sauté.

Add chicken pieces with skin (or without skin if preferred) and sauté for 3-4 minutes until browned.

Add salt and mix well.

Add 1 liter of hot water and cover; cook on medium flame for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, add soaked and drained basmati rice and mix.

Spread some oil on top of the chicken and rice mixture.

Mix saffron and food color with milk and brush it over the chicken and rice.

Cover and cook on low flame for 10-15 minutes until rice is fully cooked.

In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and fry cashews, almonds, and raisins until light brown.

Garnish the cooked rice with the fried nuts and raisins.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: