Musakhan is a popular and beloved dish in Jordan, known for its delightful blend of flavors from sumac, onions, and olive oil. This traditional recipe uses simple ingredients to create a distinctive and delicious meal enjoyed by many. Here’s how to prepare Musakhan and its ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 kilograms of chicken (whole chicken cut into quarters or halves)
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups of sumac
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 loaves of taboon bread or shrak bread (can use saj bread or any thin bread)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
- Toasted pine nuts for garnish (optional)
- Lemon juice (optional)
Preparation:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- First, clean the chicken thoroughly and rub it with salt, pepper, cinnamon, cumin, and ground coriander.
- Next, in a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil and brown the chicken on both sides.
- Then, add enough water to cover the chicken and cook until fully done (about 45 minutes to an hour).
- Prepare the Onions:
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil.
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook over medium heat until they become golden and soft.
- After that, add the sumac to the onions and mix well. Continue cooking for a few minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Assemble the Musakhan:
- While the onions are cooking, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the taboon or shrak bread on a baking sheet.
- Spread the onion and sumac mixture evenly over the bread.
- Then, place the cooked chicken pieces on top of the onions and sumac.
- Baking:
- Once assembled, bake the Musakhan in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the chicken turns a beautiful golden color.
- If desired, you can sprinkle a little lemon juice over the Musakhan before serving.
- Serving:
- Finally, serve the Musakhan hot, garnished with toasted pine nuts if desired.
In conclusion, Musakhan is a quintessential Jordanian dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of the region. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a memorable and satisfying meal.
