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Djaj Mahshi (Middle Eastern Stuffed Chicken)

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Azlin Bloor
Azlin Bloor
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Recipe Information

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Video-Specific Recipe

Djaj Mahshi

Cultural Context

Originating from the Levant region, Djaj Mahshi is a cherished dish in Syrian households, often prepared for festive occasions and family gatherings. The dish symbolizes hospitality and is a staple at celebrations, showcasing the rich flavors of the region through the aromatic stuffing and tender chicken. Today, variations of stuffed chicken can be found across the Middle East, each with unique regional spices and ingredients.

SyrianSYmain
90 min
medium
4 servings
Servings4
1 whole chicken
2 cups rice
1 lb minced meat (lamb or beef, optional)
1 cup onions
1 cup carrots
1 cup brussels sprouts
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
1 cup yogurt
1 cup cucumber
1 cup tomatoes
1/2 cup spring onions
2 tablespoons zatar or sumac (optional)

Quantities are estimated based on standard recipes for your convenience. The actual ingredients used in this video are accurate.

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: chopped walnuts

Sunflower seeds are lower in cost and provide a similar crunch.

whole chicken

🥗Healthier: skinless chicken

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Skinless chicken reduces fat, while thighs are often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits, while vegetable oil is more affordable.

almonds

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: cashews

Walnuts are rich in omega-3s, and cashews are often less costly.

1

Prepare the chicken by stuffing it with a combination of rice and minced meat (optional).

2

Cover the chicken with foil and a tea towel and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes after cooking.

3

Heat up the stuffing before serving.

4

Spoon the heated stuffing onto a serving platter or tray.

5

Lift the chicken and place it over the flavored rice that formed the stuffing.

6

Scoop up any liquid from the pan and drizzle it over the chicken.

7

Scatter the cooked vegetables (quartered onions, carrot batons, brussels sprouts) around the rice or serve them separately.

8

Add toasted raisins and almonds on top of the dish.

9

Optionally, add pomegranate seeds for decoration.

10

Serve the dish with a side of yogurt and a simple salad of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and spring onions.

Cooking Techniques

sautéingstuffingroasting

Equipment Needed

roasting pansauté panmixing bowlkitchen twinemeat thermometer

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dietary

pescatarian

Allergens

nuts

Also Known As

Stuffed ChickenMahshi Djaj

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