How to Cook Fish Machboos | Zubaidi Machboos

Zubaidi fish

🥗Healthier: grilled chicken

💰Cheaper: tilapia

Tilapia is more affordable and widely available.

basmati rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: jasmine rice

Jasmine rice offers a similar texture at a lower cost.

saffron

🥗Healthier: turmeric

💰Cheaper: annatto seeds

Turmeric adds color and flavor without the high cost of saffron.

Rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear.

Soak rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add sliced onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add chopped tomato; cook until tomato softens, about 5 minutes.

Mix in cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cloves, star anise, and black lemon, cooking for 1-2 minutes.

Add Zubaidi fish and marinate with turmeric powder, mixed spices, cardamom powder, black lemon powder, and salt; cook for 5 minutes until fish is opaque.

Pour in 5 cups of water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Add soaked rice, ensuring it's submerged in liquid.

Cover pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary