lomiloml
Culinary Explorer
I recently made Bahraini Machboos, and it was an absolute feast!
This spiced rice dish, similar to biryani, is packed with deep flavors from fragrant spices, tender meat, and caramelized onions. The secret? A perfect blend of baharat spice mix and slow-cooked meat that makes every bite rich and satisfying.Ingredients:
For the Meat & Broth:
- 2 lbs chicken, lamb, or beef, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups water or broth
- 2 dried black limes (loomi) (pierced with a fork)
For the Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed & soaked for 30 min
- 1 teaspoon saffron, soaked in 2 tbsp warm water
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
- ¼ cup raisins (optional, for sweetness)
- ¼ cup almonds or cashews, toasted (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Sear the Meat:Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until golden brown. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Add the Spices & Meat:
Stir in turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, and salt. Add the meat and sear until browned on all sides.
3. Simmer the Broth:
Add water or broth, the dried black limes, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 45 minutes (chicken) or 1.5-2 hours (lamb/beef) until tender.
4. Cook the Rice:
Remove the meat and set aside. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, cloves, nutmeg, and chili powder to the broth. Stir in the soaked basmati rice and cook uncovered until most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10 minutes).
5. Steam the Rice:
Reduce heat to low, drizzle saffron water over the rice, cover with a lid, and steam for 20 minutes until fluffy.
6. Serve & Garnish:
Place the cooked meat back on top of the rice. Garnish with toasted almonds, raisins, and fresh cilantro. Serve hot with yogurt or a fresh salad!
Conclusion:
Machboos is aromatic, rich, and packed with layers of flavor. It’s a dish that brings warmth to the table, perfect for sharing with family and friends. If you love spiced rice dishes, this is a must-try!
