Chicken Mus khan ( Palestinian cuisine)
Chicken Musakhan is a traditional Palestinian dish that is popular in the Middle East. The dish consists of juicy and tender chicken, which is slowly cooked in a flavorful sauce, typically made with onions, sumac, and other seasonings.
The chicken is then served over a layer of taboon bread, which is similar to a pita, and topped with caramelized onions and toasted pine nuts. So why not try making it at home today and experience the delicious flavors of Palestinian cuisine.
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| Chicken Mus khan ( Palestinian cuisine). |
preparing time 10 minutes.
cooking time 30 - 40 minutes.
servings 6-8 persons.
cooking time 30 - 40 minutes.
servings 6-8 persons.
Ingredients
- Two whole chickens ( washed and each one cut into 8 pieces or 4, the way of cutting it is up to you, but for me, I cut it into 8 as I prefer the small pieces, But I think if you will serve it for guests it will be better to cut it into quarters).
- 2 kilos of onions ( or about 5 medium onions for each chicken ).
- salt, a pinch of black pepper, and a pinch of cardamom powder.
- 1/2 cup of sumac spices.
- 1/2 cup of extra Virgin olive oil.
- pine nuts for garnishing the dish. ( optional).
Directions
- In a deep pot add 1/4 cup of olive oil and start to fry the chicken in it until it takes a nice color.
- Put your chicken aside, in the same pot add the other 1/4 cup of olive oil.
- Add the onion slices with a pinch of salt until it becomes soft.
- Add the chicken to the onions, add the 1/2 cup of sumac, and a pinch of cardamom powder, stir everything together for 5 minutes, then add two cups of water.
- Lower your heat and cover your pot, let it cook on low heat for 20 minutes or until you are sure that your chicken gets cooked perfectly.
- On your serving plate, spread the Arabic bread or the Saj bread then start to take some of the sauce with the onions and spread it on the bread, then arrange your chicken, after that add the rest of the sauce with the onions.
- Garnish your dish with roasted pine nuts.
The origins of chicken musakhan
The dish is believed to have originated in the city of Nablus, which is located in the northern part of the West Bank. It is said that the dish was created as a way to prepare food for large groups of people and was often served at family gatherings and celebrations. Today, Chicken Musakhan is widely enjoyed throughout the region and is considered a staple of Palestinian cuisine.
The key to making a great Chicken Musakhan.
The key to making a great Chicken Musakhan is to use high-quality ingredients and take your time to let the flavors develop. The onions, which are a key ingredient in the sauce, are typically caramelized until they are soft and sweet, adding a delicious sweetness to the dish. The sumac, which is a sour spice that is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine, is added to balance out the flavors and add a tangy taste.
The dish is traditionally baked in a large clay oven called a "taboon," which is similar to a tandoor oven. However, it can also be prepared in a regular oven or on the stovetop. To prepare the dish, the chicken is first seared in a hot pan until it is golden brown. Then, the onions, spices, and sauce are added to the pan, and the chicken is slowly cooked until it is tender and juicy.
The final step is to layer the chicken and sauce over a piece of taboon bread, which has been lightly brushed with olive oil and then toasted until crispy. The dish is then topped with caramelized onions and toasted pine nuts, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. It is a great dish to make for a large family gathering or celebration and is sure to be a hit with both children and adults.
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| Chicken Mus khan ( Palestinian cuisine). |
Musakhan rolls
Musakhan is a traditional Palestinian dish that consists of roasted chicken, caramelized onions, sumac, and other spices served on top of a taboon bread. It is a popular dish in Palestinian cuisine and is often served at special occasions such as weddings and festivals.
Musakhan rolls, on the other hand, are a modern twist on the traditional dish, where the ingredients are rolled up in a soft and fluffy bread dough, similar to a cinnamon roll.
Both dishes originate from Palestine and are deeply rooted in Palestinian culture and history. The dish's name, Musakhan, is derived from the Arabic word "shakhan," which means to heat or warm, referring to the process of roasting the chicken.
Musakhan is believed to have originated in the Palestinian village of Beit Jala, located near Bethlehem. The dish has been a staple in Palestinian cuisine for centuries and is often associated with the olive harvest season, which takes place in the autumn.
Musakhan rolls, on the other hand, are a more recent invention and are often served as a street food or snack. The dish has gained popularity in recent years and can now be found in many Palestinian restaurants and cafes, both in Palestine and around the world.
In conclusion musakhan is a dish that is beloved by Palestinians all over the world. It is a dish that is steeped in tradition and symbolism and is a testament to the rich and vibrant culture of Palestine. If you ever have the opportunity to try Musakhan, be sure to savor every bite and appreciate the history and tradition behind this delicious dish.