A special Yemeni recipe called as Al-Mandi is prepared through combination of rice and meat. This fragrant and delicious dish is usually served on special occasions. Here are the ingredients and method of preparation.
Ingredients Quantity
Beef or chicken meat 1 kg (large pieces)
Rice (Basmati) 500 grams
Water 4 cups
Onion (finely chopped) 1 piece
Tomato (finely chopped) 2 pieces
Garlic (finely chopped) 5 cloves
Fixed hot spices:
Cinnamon 2 inch piece
Cloves 5-6 pieces
Large cardamom 2 pieces
Small cardamom 4 pcs
Chili (grounded) 1 teaspoon
Turmeric 1/2 teaspoon
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Saffron (soak in water) 1/2 teaspoon
Ghee 1/2 cup
Preparation Method:
Firstly prepare meat
1. Heat ghee in a pot, add chopped onion to it
2. Add garlic and fry until fragrant.
3. Add tomatoes and all the spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom) and fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add meat and fry it well so that it changes color.
5. Add ground chili, turmeric, cumin, and salt and fry for another 5-7 minutes.
6. Add water, cover the meat and let it cook on medium heat until the meat is tender.
2. Rice preparation:
1. Wash the rice and soak it for 30 minutes.
2. Boil water in a separate pan, add salt and a little cumin.
3. Add the soaked rice to the water and boil until 70-80% cooked.
3. Finishing the almonds:
1. Place a layer of meat in a pot.
2. Add boiled rice and sprinkle saffron water on it.
3. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes.
4. How to serve:
Remove the rice and meat to a large plate and serve with yogurt sauce or salad.
