Habibi Chicken & Rice (دجاج وأرز)

Habibi Chicken & Rice is a vibrant, savoury dish that brings together the warmth of traditional Sudanese flavours with the simplicity of quick, everyday cooking. Cubes of lamb are marinated in a fragrant blend of spices then seared until beautifully caramelized. Paired with soft onions, garlic, and hot peppers. Finished with fresh herbs, it’s a versatile meal that stands on its own or alongside rice, bread, or a crisp salad. 

Ingredients

1 Full Chicken

1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)

2 tbsp olive oil or ghee

5 tbsp Mama Maha’s Chicken Seasoning

2 cups of basmati rice

4 cups of water

1 tbsp tomato paste

Hand full of raisins  

1/2 cup of sliced nuts

3 hot green pepper, sliced

Garnish with parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Season the meat

Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees. Add salt, olive oil and a generous amount of Mama Maha's Chicken seasoning to a full chicken.

2. Cook the Chicken

Set it on a rack & pan and place in the oven. Half way through cooking, flip the chicken over.

3. Making the Rice

Wash your rice until the water runs clear. Add Ghee (or oil) to a heated large pot, rice, tomato paste, chicken seasoning. Stir for 5 minutes to toast the rice.

5. Add Water

Add double the amount of water to the pot, add raisins, nuts, and hot peppers. Let the water come to a boil on high heat, then lower the heat and let the rice cook for 15 minutes.

6. Serve

Plate the rice on a large plate and throw the chicken on top. Garnish with parsley. Serve with a tomato salsa.