The Dish That Started a War: Kuwaiti Chicken Machboos Recipe

basmati rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: long-grain rice

Quinoa offers more protein and fiber.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is lower in calories and suitable for vegetarians.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier with good fats.

green chili

🥗Healthier: bell pepper

💰Cheaper: jalapeño

Bell pepper offers sweetness without heat.

Heat vegetable oil in a pot.

Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook until fragrant.

Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides.

Incorporate chopped tomatoes and green chili; cook until tomatoes break down.

Add spices including cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaves, turmeric, cumin, and black pepper; stir to combine.

Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil.

Add salt to taste.

Cover and simmer for 40 minutes.

Remove chicken and set aside; strain the broth if desired.

Add basmati rice to the pot and return the chicken on top.

Pour in enough broth to cover the rice; season with salt.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until rice is tender, about 30 minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the chicken on top.

Add raisins and eggplant during the cooking process.

Incorporate saffron for color.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary