Iraqi Dlimiya – Ingredients and Cooking Method

Iraqi Dlimiya – Ingredients and Cooking Method

Iraqi Dlimiya with chicken is one of the most popular main dishes in Iraq, often served at large feasts and special occasions. It's a hearty meal packed with nutritional benefits.

Here’s how to prepare this delicious dish.

Ingredients for Iraqi Dlimiya

• 4 cups of soaked rice
• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup each of: vermicelli, peas, diced carrots, boiled chickpeas, olive oil, and vegetable oil
• 1 finely chopped onion and 1 coarsely chopped onion
• 1 potato, diced
• ½ cup of raisins
• 1 large tablespoon of curry powder
• 1 medium tablespoon of black pepper, turmeric, and mixed spices
• A pinch of salt to taste
• 3 dried limes (loomi)
• Bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon each of whole cardamom, coriander seeds, and black peppercorns
• Cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• Almonds
• Iraqi bread

Cooking Method for Iraqi Dlimiya

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Heat ½ cup of olive oil in a large pot and add the coarsely chopped onion. Sauté until softened.
   • Add the whole spices (cardamom, coriander seeds, cloves, and black peppercorns), then add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and black pepper, and stir to combine.
   • Add turmeric, curry, and mixed spices, and stir everything well.
   • Pour hot water over the mixture, stir, and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam, cover the pot, and let the chicken cook over medium heat until tender.
   • Once cooked, transfer the chicken pieces to an oven tray and broil them until golden on top.

2. Prepare the Garnish:

   • In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil and toast the almonds and raisins until golden. Drain them and set aside.
   • In the same pan, toast the vermicelli until it turns golden brown.

3. Cook the Rice:

   • In the same pot used for the vermicelli, add the soaked rice, season with salt and black pepper, and stir well.
   • Pour hot water over the rice and cook until fully done.

4. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Heat the remaining olive oil in a pan, then sauté the finely chopped onion, diced potato, and carrots until they begin to soften.
   • Add the peas and chickpeas, stirring until all the vegetables are tender.
   • Add the toasted vermicelli, season with salt, and mix everything together.

5. Assemble the Dlimiya:

   • Soak Iraqi bread in chicken broth and arrange it in a serving dish.
   • Layer the cooked rice on top of the bread, followed by the vermicelli and vegetable mixture.
   • Top with the golden-broiled chicken and garnish with the toasted almonds and raisins.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Iraqi Dlimiya!