Yemeni-inspired Spiced Roasted Chicken with Fragrant Rice

Ingredients

• For the chicken: For the chicken:
• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs / 1.4-1.8 kg) 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs / 1.4-1.8 kg)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground black lime (loomi) 1 teaspoon ground black lime (loomi)
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the rice: For the rice:
• 2 cups (400g) basmati rice 2 cups (400g) basmati rice
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves 4 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugars: 0g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, black lime, salt, and black pepper to make the spice rub for the chicken.
3. 3.
   Rub the chicken with olive oil, then generously coat it with the spice rub, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
4. 4.
   Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. 5.
   While the chicken is roasting, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
6. 6.
   In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, cinnamon stick, cloves, and salt. Stir well, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
7. 7.
   Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
8. 8.
   Serve the roasted chicken with the fragrant rice on the side. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — For the best results, choose a high-quality whole chicken. Ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and pat it dry before applying the spice rub.
• Black lime (loomi) — If you can't find black lime, you can substitute it with dried lime powder or lime zest for a similar tangy flavor.
• Basmati rice — It is important to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains. Adjust the cooking time according to the instructions on the rice package.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can add a small piece of charcoal to the roasting pan with the chicken during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Serve the Mandi with a side of tangy tomato chutney or a refreshing cucumber and yogurt salad.
• If you prefer spicier flavors, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice rub.
• To achieve a crispy skin on the chicken, you can broil it for a few minutes after roasting.
• Leftover Mandi can be used to make delicious chicken sandwiches or wraps the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Spiced Roasted Chicken with Fragrant Rice on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. Accompany it with a side of tangy tomato chutney and a refreshing cucumber and yogurt salad. This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place the carved chicken pieces on top of the fragrant rice, allowing the flavors to meld together. Drizzle some of the chicken drippings over the rice for added richness. Sprinkle a pinch of ground black lime or lime zest on top for a vibrant touch.