Mofatah Al-Dajaj (Saudi Dish) Chicken

By Mom_s

Ingredients

• Ingredients:
• 2 whole chickens, each cut to 4.
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil.
• 1 large onion, finely chopped.
• 1 green chili pepper.
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper .
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin.
• Salt to taste.
• Whole Spices*
• 1 (1 inch) Galangal root.
• 1 cinnamon stick.
• 5 whole green cardamom pods.
• 1 shaiba leave.
• 1 loomi(dried lemon)
• 5 cups water.
• 3 cups basmati rice.
• For Liquid Spices mixture:
• Pinch of saffron .
• 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric.
• 2 Tablespoons rose water.
• 1/2 Tablespoon curry powder.
• 1/8 teaspoon dried red hot pepper.
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil.
• 1 clove garlic,crushed.
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• Juice of one lemon.
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar.
• Salt to taste.
• Combine all ingredients.
• For kashna(Almond & Sultanas Sprinkle):
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil.
• 1 large onion,halved,sliced.
• 2 Tablespoons Sultanas.
• 1/2 cup blanched almonds or pine nuts,toasted.
• 2 Tablespoons of Liquid Spices mixture.
• Heat oil in pan,add onions,cook until onions ara caramelised.
• Add Liquid Spices mixture,& cook for 5 minutes,then add almonds & Sultanas.

Preparation

Step 1

Method:

1)Put the spices loosely in a small clean cloth or double thickness cheesecloth and tie closed.

2)Heat oil in pan ,add finely chopped onion & green chili,cook for only 1-2 minutes.

3)Add chicken,cook until lightly browned season with salt,cumin and pepper.

4)Add the whole spices & 5 cups water,bring to boil, simmer, covered about 30 minutes(on low heat).

5)Remove chicken from pan & place on oven tray,brush with Liquid Spices mixture,then place it under the broiler until lightly browned.

6)Cook the rich in 4 1/2 cup from the water you use to cook the chicken (the water dependent on the type of rice you use) for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.

7)Sprinkle the top with kashna(Almond & Sultanas Sprinkle),& Serve Mofatah with buttermilk & green salad.