Authentic Yemeni Mandi: Aromatic Rice & Meat Feast

Introduction to Yemeni Mandi

Yemeni Mandi is a beloved traditional dish from Yemen, featuring fragrant rice and tender, slow-cooked meat infused with a blend of aromatic spices. It’s a favorite during gatherings and festive occasions in the Middle East and can be prepared with chicken, lamb, or beef. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to master this exotic and mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients

• 1 kg meat (lamb, chicken, or beef), large pieces with bone-in
• 3 cups long-grain basmati rice
• 5 cups water or meat broth
• 3 tbsp ghee or unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tbsp Mandi spice mix (ground black pepper, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg)
• 1 pinch saffron threads, soaked in a bit of warm water
• Salt to taste
• Whole spices (1 cinnamon stick, 4 cardamom pods, 2 bay leaves, and 5 cloves)
• Almonds and raisins for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by washing the rice until the water runs clear, then soak it for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
2. In a large pot, heat the ghee or butter over medium heat and sauté the onions until they become translucent.
3. Add the crushed garlic and grated tomatoes, cooking until the tomatoes are soft.
4. Introduce the meat to the pot, browning it lightly on all sides. Add the Mandi spice mix and salt, stirring to ensure the meat is well-coated.
5. Add the whole spices, and pour in the water or broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the meat becomes tender (this may take a couple of hours depending on the type and cut of the meat).
6. Once the meat is tender, remove it from the pot, setting both the meat and the broth aside. Preheat your oven to a broil setting for later use.
7. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the remaining broth in the pot. Adjust the salt if necessary, and add the saffron-infused water. Bring to a boil.
8. After the rice has absorbed most of the water and has started to form holes in the surface, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot, and let it steam for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
9. While the rice is cooking, place the meat on a baking tray and broil in the preheated oven until it gets a nice browned exterior. You may baste the meat with a bit of ghee or the juices from the broth to keep it moist and flavorful.
10. Once the rice is done, fluff it gently with a fork and transfer to a large serving platter. Place the broiled meat on top of the rice. Garnish with fried almonds and raisins if desired.
11. For an authentic Yemeni experience, serve the Mandi with a side of Yemeni zhug (a spicy chile sauce) and a simple salad.

Conclusion

Enjoy your homemade Yemeni Mandi, a beautiful centerpiece for any dinner party or special family meal. This hearty and fragrant dish is sure to transport your senses to the aromas and tastes of Yemeni cuisine.