Chicken Mahshi

Chicken Mahshi is a traditional Lebanese dish featuring tender chicken stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, spices, and vegetables. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy dinner, offering a delightful blend of aromas and tastes.

Ingredients

• Whole chicken - 1 (about 1 kg)
• Long-grain rice - 100 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Pine nuts - 30 grams, toasted
• Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Allspice - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Water - 500 milliliters
• Lemon - 1, juiced

Steps

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in warm water for 30 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent.
3. Add the diced tomato, toasted pine nuts, cinnamon, allspice, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the skillet. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients, then remove from heat.
5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Carefully pat the chicken dry and season it with salt, pepper, and lemon juice both inside and outside.
6. Stuff the rice mixture into the cavity of the chicken, securing the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
7. Place the stuffed chicken in a roasting pan and drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Pour the water around the chicken in the pan.
8. Cover the pan with foil and roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remove the foil and roast for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
9. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with the rice and pan juices.

Nutrition

• Calories: 610
• Protein: 40 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 120 mg
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, promoting heart health.

Tags