World flavours: from Oman, MAQBOUS (Omani chicken)

You may be wondering: where is Oman? Oman is a beautiful country located in the Middle East, with some of the best beaches as well as stunning mountains and breathtaking views.

Not many people visit Oman, which is probably due to the fact that the country is relatively unknown. But we have 10 reasons for you to visit is (click here to know them), and one of our favorite is - as always - the Gastronomy ;)

So today we bring you a delicacy for you to recreate in the comfort of your own home and share with your loved ones while you prepare your visit to Oman.

Maqbous (Omani chicken)

INGREDIENTS (for 4 people)

Spices

2 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp nutmeg ½ tsp ground cloves ½ tsp pepper 1 ½ tsp salt 8 chicken thighs

Chicken

2 onions 3 garlic cloves 30 g ginger 2 tbsp olive oil 4 cardamom pods 3 bay leaves

3 ½ dl chicken bouillon

Rice

250 g basmati rice 50 g yellow lentils 1 tbsp olive oil some saffron threads (approx. 350 mg)

Topping

2 tbsp sultanas 1 tbsp rose water 4 tbsp flaked almonds

Crispy chicken

1 tbsp olive oil

METHOD

1. Spices Mix the cinnamon with all the other ingredients up to and including the salt, rub half of the mixture onto the chicken. Set aside the remainder of the spice mix.

2. Chicken Preheat the oven to 60°C. Warm the tray and plates. Peel the onions, garlic and ginger, roughly chop the onions, puree everything with the oil until smooth. Heat the onion paste in a frying pan, cook for approx. 5 mins. Add the spice mix, cardamom and bay leaf, cook briefly. Turn up the heat, add the chicken, fry for approx. 5 mins. on each side. Pour in the stock, bring to the boil, cover and simmer for approx. 15 mins. Remove the chicken, keep warm, set aside the liquid.
   

3. Rice Rinse the rice in a sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear, drain well. Heat the oil in a pan, add the rice and lentils, cook briefly. Pour in the reserved liquid, bring to the boil, leave covered on a switched-off hob for approx. 15 mins. until fully absorbed; do not remove the lid. Mix the saffron into the rice with a fork.
   

4. Topping Mix the sultanas with the rose water, leave to stand for approx. 5 mins. Toast the raisins and flaked almonds in a frying pan for approx. 5 mins., stirring occasionally, set aside.
   

5. Crispy chicken Heat the oil in the same frying pan, remove the chicken from the oven, fry (skin side down) for approx. 5 mins. until crispy, turn and fry for a further 2 mins. Serve the chicken with the rice, add the topping.
   

6. Enjoy ;)

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Restaurant of the week:

When in Oman, you must visit the Teatro Restaurant. Muscat's number one-ranked restaurant on TripAdvisor, and a place where Eastern Cooking Meets Western Cuisine 'Teatro Restaurant' is an award winning concept and a signature upscale restaurant serving Thai, Chinese, Japanese Sushi, Indian and Italian.

Live cooking stations and a lively ambience add to the appeal in the signature restaurant popular with groups looking for entertainment with good food. Daily promotions include mixed drink deals, which also adds to the enduring appeal.

Address: Muscat, Muscat, Sundus Rotana، Al Maardih St, Muscat 111, Oman

Website: This Restaurant is part of the Rotana Hotels & Resorts.

To visit their website, click here.

xoxo

Deluxe Vacations Club Team