Authentic Majboos: The Ultimate Arabian One-Pot Dish Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Basmati rice
  • 500 grams Chicken
  • 3 Tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 Onions, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves of Garlic, minced
  • 2 Carrots, grated
  • 1 Green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 Red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon Coriander powder
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin powder
  • 1 tablespoon Turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Cardamom
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 1 cup Green peas
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup Raisins
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as required

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until they become translucent.
  3. Add the chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, and grated carrots to the pan and cook until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until it's no longer pink in the middle.
  5. Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, paprika, cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaf to the pan. Stir well to combine the spices with the vegetables and chicken.
  6. Add the basmati rice to the pan and stir well to combine the rice with the other ingredients.
  7. Add enough water to the pan to just cover the rice. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Cook the rice until it's tender and all the water has been absorbed.
  8. Add the green peas, raisins, and lemon juice to the pan. Stir well to combine these ingredients with the rice. Cook for another 5 minutes.
  9. Season the majboos with salt to taste.
  10. Remove the pan from the heat. The majboos is ready to serve.

Tools for making

  • Pan - A large, deep pan for cooking the vegetables, chicken, and rice.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for chopping onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and other ingredients.
  • Cutting board - A surface for safely cutting and chopping ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - For accurately measuring the rice, spices, and other ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon - A utensil for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pan.
  • Spatula - A tool for flipping and turning the chicken while cooking.
  • Grater - For grating the carrots.
  • Lemon squeezer - Optional, for extracting juice from the lemon.
  • Serveware - Plates or bowls for serving the majboos.
  • Napkins - For wiping hands or utensils while cooking or dining.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the chicken with beef or lamb for a different meat option.
  • Replace the chicken with shrimp or fish for a seafood variation.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables such as cauliflower, peas, or mushrooms.
  • Add different spices or herbs to customize the flavor, such as garam masala, curry powder, or fresh cilantro.
  • Include dried fruits like apricots or dates for a sweeter twist.
  • Add nuts like almonds or cashews for added crunch and richness.
  • Experiment with different types of rice, such as jasmine rice or brown rice, for a different texture and flavor.
  • Use coconut milk instead of water for a creamier version.
  • Add a spicy kick by including chopped chili peppers or chili powder.
  • Incorporate vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach for more variety.

Recipe overview

Majboos, also known as Makbous, is a traditional Middle Eastern one-pot dish that is bursting with flavor. It's a hearty blend of rice, meat, and vegetables, all seasoned with a mix of aromatic spices. This recipe uses chicken as the meat, but you can easily substitute with lamb, beef, or even seafood. Tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and carrots provide a colorful medley of vegetables. Green peas and raisins are added for a delightful contrast of sweetness against the savory elements. The spice blend, including coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, and cardamom, offers a depth of flavors that is truly irresistible. Although it may seem like there's a lot going on in this dish, the process of making Majboos is quite straightforward. All the ingredients are cooked together in a single pan, making this not only a flavorful dish but also a convenient one. Once you've prepared the ingredients, it's mostly a matter of layering them in the pan and letting the heat and spices do their magic. The result is a dish that's more than the sum of its parts - a comforting, flavorful meal that's perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious outcome!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of rice instead of basmati rice?
    Yes, you can use other types of rice, but basmati rice is traditionally used in majboos for its long grains and fragrant aroma.
  2. Can I use a different meat instead of chicken?
    Absolutely! You can use lamb, beef, or even shrimp instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  3. Can I substitute or omit any of the vegetables?
    Certainly! You can customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Feel free to omit or substitute any vegetables you don't like or don't have available.
  4. What can I serve with majboos?
    Majboos is often served with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad. It pairs well with pickles and Arabic flatbread such as khubz or pita bread.
  5. Is majboos spicy?
    The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference. The recipe includes paprika, which provides a mild heat. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of chili powder or adjust the amount of paprika accordingly.
  6. Can I make majboos vegetarian?
    Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of water to make a delicious vegetarian version of majboos.
  7. How long does it take to cook majboos?
    The total cooking time can vary, but it usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook majboos from start to finish.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - for cooking the rice and other ingredients
  • Pan - for sautéing the onions, garlic, vegetables, and chicken
  • Spatula - for stirring the ingredients in the pan
  • Measuring cups - for accurately measuring the rice and water
  • Knife - for chopping the tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers
  • Grater - for grating the carrots
  • Garlic press - for mincing the garlic cloves
  • Serving spoon - for serving the majboos
  • Plates - for serving the majboos
  • Garnish bowl - for keeping the raisins to garnish the majboos

Origin stories

Majboos, also known as Makbous, is a vibrant, aromatic dish that hails from the Arabian Peninsula, specifically Kuwait. As the tradition goes, it was a dish enjoyed by the Bedouin tribes who roamed the harsh desert. While the harsh desert climate made it difficult for varied agriculture, the nomadic lifestyle of the Bedouins allowed them to trade and bring back different spices and ingredients from their travels. The result was Majboos, a hearty one-pot dish that combines these diverse flavors. Each ingredient - from the aromatic spices to the locally sourced meat - tells a tale of their journey. Today, Majboos is not just a reminder of the Bedouin's resilience and adaptability, but also a celebration of the region's rich culinary tradition. It's like an edible tapestry, weaving together the flavors and histories of the Arabian Peninsula. And every time you savor Majboos, you partake in a small part of that grand, nomadic history. From the deserts of Kuwait to your dinner table, each spoonful is a journey.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.