Yemeni Style Smokey Chicken Mandi Recipe By Food Fusion (Ramazan Special)

basmati rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: long-grain rice

Quinoa is a healthier grain option, while long-grain rice is often more affordable.

whole chicken

🥗Healthier: skinless chicken breast

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Skinless chicken breast reduces fat, while thighs are typically less expensive.

saffron

🥗Healthier: turmeric

💰Cheaper: yellow food coloring

Turmeric provides color and health benefits at a lower cost.

smoked paprika

🥗Healthier: regular paprika

💰Cheaper: sweet paprika

Regular paprika offers flavor without the smoke, while sweet paprika is often cheaper.

Prepare Mandi Sauce: In a chopper, add tomatoes, green chili, garlic, fresh coriander, salt, black pepper powder, red chili crushed, tomato paste & water, chop well & set aside.

Prepare Mandi Chicken: Make deep cuts on both sides of chicken pieces with the help of a knife & set aside. In a small bowl, add saffron, hot water, mix well & set aside. In a bowl, add coriander powder, cardamom powder, paprika powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, black pepper powder, clove powder, salt, olive oil, ginger garlic paste, saffron water & whisk well. Add chicken pieces & rub evenly, cover & marinate for 4 hours or overnight in refrigerator. In a pot, add cooking oil, marinated chicken, apply remaining marinade & cook on medium flame from both sides until golden brown, take out chicken pieces & set them aside.

Prepare Mandi Rice: In a bowl, add basmati rice, water, wash thoroughly and soak for 30 minutes then strain soaked rice & set aside. In the same pot, add cooking oil, onion & fry until light golden. Add garlic, green chilies & sauté for a minute. Add capsicum & mix well. Add bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cloves, black peppercorns, green cardamom, star anise, chicken cube, mix well & cook for 1-2 minutes. Add strained & soaked rice & mix well. Turn off the flame, add water, salt & mix well. Place steamer on top of the pot & add cooked chicken pieces, apply remaining marinade with the help of a brush, cover with aluminum foil & lid. Turn on the flame & cook on high flame for 4-5 minutes to build up steam then steam cook on low flame for 20-25 minutes. Give coal smoke for 2 minutes. Garnish with almonds, fresh coriander & serve chicken mandi with mandi rice & sauce!

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary