Bukhari Chicken and Rice is a beloved dish across the Arabian Peninsula, known for its fragrant basmati rice, tender chicken, and the perfect balance of spices. This hearty meal is often enjoyed at family gatherings and special occasions. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare an authentic and flavorful Arabic Bukhari Chicken and Rice dish at home.
Ingredients:
- 500g long-grain basmati rice
- 100g raisins
- 1 whole chicken (cut in half)
- 2 onions (about 300g), chopped
- 2 carrots (100g), chopped
- 2 cups tomato puree
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (40g)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 4 cups hot water
- 250g chopped carrots
- 3 cups water (for cooking rice)
- A few hot peppers (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Step 1: Preparing the Rice and Raisins
Start by washing the basmati rice thoroughly, then soak it in a bowl of water for 30 minutes. This helps achieve the perfect fluffy texture. At the same time, soak the raisins in a separate bowl of water for 10 minutes to allow them to plump up.
Step 2: Searing the Chicken
In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Place the chicken halves skin-side down and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Base Flavor
Using the same pan with the leftover oil from the chicken, sauté the chopped onions over medium heat. Stir occasionally until they become soft and caramelized. Once the onions are ready, add the chopped carrots and stir well. Next, mix in the tomato puree and tomato paste, followed by the salt and cumin. Stir everything together to create a rich and flavorful base.
Step 4: Simmering the Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the pot and pour in 4 cups of hot water. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes. This step allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors while remaining tender and juicy.
Step 5: Preparing the Carrots and Raisins
While the chicken is simmering, heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots and fry them until they soften and turn golden brown. Then, add the soaked raisins and toss them together for about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set this mixture aside.
Step 6: Cooking the Rice
After 30 minutes, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot with the tomato and onion mixture. Pour in 3 cups of water and gently stir to ensure the rice is evenly spread. Cook over medium heat until most of the water is absorbed.
Step 7: Final Cooking
Once the rice is partially cooked, place the chicken back on top of the rice. If you like a bit of heat, add a few hot peppers at this stage. Then, evenly distribute the fried carrots and raisins over the chicken and rice. Cover the pot and let everything cook on low heat for an additional 25 minutes.
Step 8: Serving the Dish
After 25 minutes, remove the chicken, carrots, and raisins from the top of the rice. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to ensure a light and airy texture. Transfer the rice to a large serving plate and arrange the chicken, carrots, and raisins beautifully on top.
Enjoy Your Bukhari Chicken and Rice!
Serve this delicious dish hot and enjoy it with family and friends. The combination of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice makes this meal truly unforgettable.
Don't forget to share your experience in the comments and let us know how your dish turned out! Happy cooking! 🍽️
