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Machbous — traditional dish from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥720kcal
💪40gProtein
🌾100gCarbs
🥑20gFat
🌿3gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Also served in

Machbous

How to order / say it
Say it مجبوس — [Muj-boos]
Order I'd like the machbous, please.
Locally أريد المجبوس، من فضلك.
Say locally

Spiced rice dish usually paired with meat or fish.

Why try it?

Machbous is a defining feature of Emirati communal meals, showcasing the fusion of spices that characterize Gulf cuisine.

How it tastes

Fragrant with spices, including turmeric and cardamom, Machbous offers a rich combination of tender meat and flavorful rice.

Origin & History — first documented: 700

Introduced from Persian influences in the 7th century, it evolved into a staple in the UAE, emblematic of regional culinary traditions.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🌾 300 g basmati rice
  • 🥩 500 g chicken
  • 🥕 100 g tomatoes
  • 🧄 100 g onions
  • 🧂 10 g spice mix
  • 🧂 1 g saffron
  • 🫒 30 g ghee

Method

  1. 1 Sauté onions and tomatoes in ghee.
  2. 2 Add chicken and spice mix, cooking until browned.
  3. 3 Stir in rice and saffron, add water.
  4. 4 Cover and cook until rice absorbs liquid.
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