Saudi Mansaf – Ingredients and Preparation Method

Saudi Mansaf – Ingredients and Preparation Method

Saudi Mansaf is one of the most famous and delicious dishes in Saudi Arabia. It is a rich and hearty meal, often served with yogurt.

From Arabicook.com, here are the ingredients and the steps to prepare Saudi-style Mansaf.

Ingredients for Saudi Mansaf

• 2 large pieces of lamb with bone
• 1 onion, quartered
• 3 bay leaves
• 10 cardamom pods
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon of mixed spices or Mansaf spices
• 10 black peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons of salt
• 3 cups of rice
• ¼ cup of ghee
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• 4 cups of water
• 1 to ½ kilogram of yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons of sour yogurt
• Thin bread (rakak)
• 1 bunch of parsley, finely chopped
• Fried nuts (as desired)

How to Prepare Saudi Mansaf

1. Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it for 30 minutes.

2. To cook the lamb, place the meat in a medium-sized pot with the onion and water. Bring to a boil over high heat and skim off any foam.

3. Add the bay leaves, cardamom pods, black pepper, salt, and spices. Cover the pot and simmer for about 2 hours until the lamb is fully cooked. Once done, remove the lamb and set it aside.

4. Prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing water with cornstarch in a small bowl. In a large pot, combine the yogurt, turmeric, sour yogurt, and the cornstarch mixture. Stir occasionally until it boils. Add a cup of the lamb broth and let the yogurt mixture simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Add the cooked lamb to the yogurt sauce and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

6. To cook the rice, heat the ghee in a medium pot. Add the soaked rice, stirring constantly. Then, add salt, turmeric, and enough water to cover the rice. Bring it to a boil until the rice absorbs the water, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.

7. To serve the Mansaf, spread the thin bread (rakak) on a large serving tray. Pour some of the yogurt sauce over the bread, then add the rice on top. Garnish with fried nuts, chopped parsley, and lemon slices (if desired).

8. Serve the remaining yogurt sauce in a large bowl on the side.

Enjoy your delicious Saudi Mansaf, a hearty and flavorful dish best served hot!