Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Djaj Mah Ruz)

May 23, 2023May 23, 20230 13
Authentic Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Djaj Mah Ruz) Recipe
in Main

Prep

30 min

Cook

55 min

Ready In

85 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 whole roasting chicken
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter
1 garlic clove , crushed
1/4 cup butter
1 cup ground lamb ( or ground beef )
1 cup long grain rice
1 teaspoon salt ( or to taste )
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup seedless raisin ( optional )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4-6
Calories
634
Sugar
9g
Fat
38g
Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Djaj Mah Ruz) is a traditional Lebanese dish that is often served at festive family gatherings and occasions. The roasting of a whole chicken with aromatic spices and vegetables is an ancient and widespread cultural practice that spans from the Mediterranean to the Middle East. This one-pot meal is easy to make, healthy and filling, making it a perfect comfort food for any day of the year. The nutty notes of the dish paired with the aromatic rice make it a must-try recipe for any food lover.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2.Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Combine the salt, pepper, and cinnamon in a small bowl, and sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken.
3.Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a Dutch oven or pot (with a lid) over high heat. Add the crushed garlic and whole chicken, breast side down, and brown for about 3 minutes. Turn the chicken over with tongs, and brown the other side for another 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
4.Melt 1/4 cup of butter in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sauté the ground lamb/beef for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5.Stir in the rice, salt, pepper, and cinnamon, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the water and bring everything to a boil. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 15 minutes.
6.Add the almonds, pine nuts, unsalted butter, and raisins to the pot, and stir well.
7.Transfer the chicken back to the pot, breast side up, and press it down into the rice mixture. Cover the pot again and bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked and the rice is tender. Let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

PROS

Lebanese Chicken and Rice is a delicious and hearty one-pot meal that brings together the flavors of a seasoned roasted chicken, aromatic rice, and crunchy nuts to create a perfectly balanced dish.
The raisins, while optional, add a delightful sweetness to the dish, which pairs well with the savory flavors.

This dish is also very versatile as it can be adjusted to accommodate the preferences of different eaters with add-ons like fresh herbs, additional spices, or a tangy lemon sauce.

CONS

The ground lamb used in this recipe adds a significant amount of fat compared to using chicken breast alone.
However, it does make the dish more flavorful.

The presence of nuts and raisins may not be appealing to everyone, so it’s best to make sure that your guests are not allergic or have any dietary restrictions before serving.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Lebanese Chicken and Rice is a wholesome and nutritious meal that provides balanced protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats from the chicken, lamb, rice, and nuts. The cinnamon used in the recipe promotes insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels, while garlic helps support immune function and has been linked to reducing the risk of certain cancers.
Additionally, pine nuts contain heart-healthy fatty acids and antioxidants that can protect against free radicals, while almonds are nutrient-dense, rich in fiber, and protein that can help lower cholesterol levels.

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