How is Traditional Yemeni Mandi made?

 In Abu Dhabi, Mandi is a popular Yemeni dish that can be found being served at many restaurants. It is served on a bed of rice with meat and a mixture of spices. The highlight of this dish lies in how the meat is prepared.

The word “mandi” in the arabic language means “dew” which refers to the moist chewy texture of the meat, which is usually cooked in a deep pit oven, similar to the one pictured below.

How Mandi is traditionally prepared?

The meat is first seasoned with a mixture of herbs and spices, which is usually called Hawajj in Yemen. The meat could be lamb, camel, goat, or chicken.

A common type of rice that usually accompanies the meat is often basmati rice, which grows twice its length when cooked. The meat is first boiled with the spice mix and the broth is used to cook the rice, while the meat is suspended above the portion of rice.

The dish is then left to slow-cook for about 8 hours before it is ready to eat.

Carmelized onions, nuts and raisins are often added as garnish.

Side Dishes That Go Along with Mandi

Mandi is a very versatile dish that goes well with many side dishes and desserts. Here are a few of them that you can try:

Salads

Arabic Salad

An assorted mix of lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, green peppers, white onions, and pomegranate seeds served with pomegranate molasses.

Pomegranate Salad:

A fine prep of white cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, pomegranates, chickpeas, mixed with a delicious sauce topped with Oman chips.

Rocca Salad:

Fresh arugula with tomato and white onion slices mixed with sumac, pomegranate molasses, and lemon.

Matai Salad:

Ingredients used to prepare this salad includes fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and colored peppers mixed with delicious matai and a special sauce.

Desserts

Luqaimat:

An Emirati-style Luqaimat prepared with flour, and cardamom, mixed with yeast fried and fried in pure vegetable oil, served with date molasses, sesame, and pistachios.

Kunafa:

 

A creamy pastry that is stuffed with Kashta or special cheese, served fresh with sugar syrup and rose water.

Umm Ali:

A sweet bowl of fresh milk with Umm Ali pastry, mixed with cream and nuts.

There are a lot of restaurants that serve mandi in Abu Dhabi, however, only a few specialize in offering the authentic Yemeni Style Mandi for example Al Mandi & Madhbi House, which has been serving locals in Abu Dhabi for over 19 years.