Mandi ...Discovering the Taste of Yemen

 

Mandi is a traditional dish from Yemen that has been enjoyed for centuries. This savory and flavorful dish is made from rice and meat that is cooked in a tandoor-style oven, also called "Tandoor" . The dish is believed to have originated in the city of Aden, which is located in the south of Yemen and is known for its rich culinary traditions.

The history of mandi can be traced back to the pre-Islamic era, when the ancient kingdoms of Hadhramaut and Saba were known for their delicious and diverse cuisine. The dish became particularly popular during the Ottoman period, when it was enjoyed by traders and travelers passing through the region.

In Yemen, mandi is typically made with either lamb or chicken, although beef and camel meat can also be used. The meat is marinated in a mixture of spices called hawaij, which typically includes cumin, coriander, black pepper, and cardamom. The marinated meat is then placed in the tandoor oven, where it is cooked over a fire made from charcoal or wood.

There are many different styles of mandi, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some popular variations include mandi laham, which is made with lamb, and mandi dajaj, which is made with chicken. In some regions, mandi is also served with a yogurt-based sauce called shattah, which adds a tangy and creamy contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the dish.

To cook Mandi at home, you will need:

2 lb of lamb or chicken

2 cups of long-grain rice

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tablespoons of hawaij spice mixture

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for frying

Instructions:

Marinate the meat in the hawaij spice mixture and let it sit for at least 2 hours.

In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil and add the rice.

Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender. 

Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat some oil and sauté the onion and garlic until golden brown.

Add the marinated meat to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.

In a large casserole or clay pot, layer the cooked rice and meat.

Cover the pot and cook over low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the rice is cooked through.

Serve the mandi hot with a side of yogurt or shattah sauce.

Yemeni cuisine is becoming more and more popular in recent years, thanks to its unique blend of flavors and spices. Mandi is a particularly beloved dish, known for its rich and savory flavors and its comforting and satisfying texture. Whether you're a food lover or just looking for a new and exciting culinary experience, mandi is definitely a dish that you should try at least once in your life.