Lamb Madhbi in Abu Dhabi is a very popular dish, loved by locals and expats alike. Learn more about madhbi and what makes it so special, especially when compared to other popular rice and meat dishes that can be found in UAE in today’s blog post.
What is Madhbi?
Madhbi is a dish that originated in Yemen, and is typically made with lamb or chicken, or even goat, and sometimes camel meat as well. The meat is first boiled and partially cooked, and the stock is then used to cook the rice, while the meat is often suspended above the pot, and grilled. As the meat continues to fully cook, fat and other juices combine with the rice and blend nicely together, resulting in a very aromatic and delicious flavored rice. Madhbi is often served with vegetables, more on this later.
While the origins of madhbi are unclear, it is thought to date back to the days when Yemen was ruled by the Ottoman Empire. It is believed that the dish was created as a way to use up leftover rice and meat.
Madhbi has become a popular dish in recent years, as more people have begun to explore Yemeni cuisine. It is typically enjoyed as a main course.
How is Madhbi Made?
Madhbi is a traditional dish from Yemeni food culture, made of spiced meat that is marinated and cooked over charcoal. To prepare madhbi, the meat is first marinated in a hawaij mix (a blend of spices) for several hours. The marinated meat is then placed on skewers and cooked over hot charcoal until it is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. A special clay oven called a tandoor, or tabun, in arabic is used to prepare this delicious dish.
Mandi is another popular meat & rice dish that is prepared similarly to Madhbi, however, it is first boiled and slow-cooked indirectly on the charcoal grill. This method of cooking makes for a moist & dewy texture that is also loved as a staple local food by many in Abu Dhabi.
These flavorful dishes are also often served on special occasions such as weddings, feasts, and other special events.
What is Hawaij Spice Mix?
Hawaij is a spice mix used in Yemeni & other Arabic cuisines. It is a blend of cumin, black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, coriander, cinnamon, and clove. Hawaij is used to flavor both savory and sweet dishes. Hawaij has its origins in Yemen, where it is used to make a type of coffee called qishr. Qishr is made by boiling coffee beans with spices such as hawaij. The coffee drink is said to have medicinal properties and is often consumed by the elderly. Hawaij can be found in Middle Eastern markets or online. It is also becoming more popular in the West as people discover its unique flavor profile. It is also used to prepare some desserts as well.
What to serve Madhbi with?
When it comes to food, Madhbi is usually served with rice, often cooked white or basmati rice. You can also try adding some spices or herbs to the rice for extra flavor. A variety of fresh salads also go well with Madhbi. Try experimenting with different combinations of fruits like raisins, nuts like almonds & pine nuts, vegetables, and dressings to find what you like best. Madhbi is also often served alongside a spicy tomato salsa, called Shatta Red, or zhoug, in different cultures.
Where to find delicious Madhbi in Abu Dhabi?
If you're looking for some delicious lamb madhbi restaurant in Abu Dhabi, you'll want to check out some of the city's traditional Arabic restaurants. Al Mandi & Al Madhbi House is a great option for madhbi lovers. The restaurant offers a variety of madhbi dishes, all of which are cooked to perfection, and it's sure to please even the most discerning palate. So if you're in the mood for some delicious madhbi, be sure to check out this restaurant in Abu Dhabi.
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