Absolutely, let’s dive into the exquisite world of Palestinian cuisine with the timeless recipe for Mousakhan, also known as Palestinian Chicken 🍗! Passed down from generations, this dish holds the essence of tradition and the flavors of Southwest Asia (Middle East) in each tender, sumac-infused bite. Let’s take a culinary journey through the layers of history and taste that make this dish truly special.
Mousakhan (Palestinian Chicken) Recipe
Overview:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Palestinian, Southwest Asia (Middle East)
- Category: Chicken
- Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Palestinian, Southwest Asia (Middle East), Asian, Weeknight, < 4 Hours
- Serves: 4
Ingredients:
| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Whole Chickens |
| 1/3 cup | Olive Oil |
| 3 | Red Onions |
| 3 tbsp | Sumac |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chickens:
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- Rub the chickens inside and out with salt and pepper to season.
- Tuck and tie the wings under the body for even cooking.
-
-
Sear the Chickens:
- In a large skillet, heat half of the olive oil over medium heat.
- Carefully add the chickens one at a time, searing until they are lightly browned all over.
- Turn the chickens often to ensure even browning.
- Once browned, set the chickens aside.
-
Prepare the Onion and Sumac Mix:
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet.
- Saute the red onions in the oil, stirring frequently, until they become clear and fragrant.
- Sprinkle the sumac over the onions, continuing to cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take khoubz or pita bread and split each into halves, creating 4 pieces.
- Arrange two halves slightly overlapping at the base of a large baking dish that can fit both chickens.
- Place a mound of the sumac-infused onion mix in the center of each bread piece, using about a quarter of the mix.
- Now, place one of the seared chickens on top of each bread and onion mound.
- Spread the remaining onion mix evenly over the chickens.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil from the skillet over the chickens, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover the chickens with the remaining bread pieces, tucking them around the chickens snugly.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 1/2 hours.
- Check the chickens periodically to ensure they are cooking evenly and becoming tender.
- If the bread starts to brown too much, cover the dish with foil to prevent burning.
- The bread covering is essential for keeping the chicken moist and infusing it with flavor.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the chickens are cooked through and tender, remove the dish from the oven.
- Carefully cut the Mousakhan into portions, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of the flavorful onion mix.
- Optionally, serve with some of the bread from the dish for a truly authentic experience.
Notes:
- Mousakhan is a dish steeped in tradition, with each bite telling a story of Palestinian heritage.
- The sumac lends a delightful touch of lemony zest to the tender chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Don’t be alarmed by the amount of olive oil; it plays a crucial role in both flavor and tenderness.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more sumac or salt and pepper if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 788.4
- Total Fat: 58.2g
- Saturated Fat: 14.9g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
- Sodium: 216.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugar: 2.4g
- Protein: 57.5g
Serving Suggestions:
- Mousakhan pairs wonderfully with a simple salad of fresh greens dressed with lemon and olive oil.
- For a complete meal, serve alongside fluffy couscous or rice pilaf, allowing the grains to soak up the flavorful juices from the chicken.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
From the kitchens of Palestinian households to yours, this Mousakhan recipe is a treasure trove of flavors and memories. Gather your loved ones around the table and savor the taste of tradition with each tender, succulent bite. Enjoy this culinary masterpiece, rich in history and flavor, as it transports you to the heart of Southwest Asian cuisine! 🌟🍽️
