Mabalah Safi – Recipe for Mabalah Safi – How to Cook Mabalah Safi
Mabalah Safi, also known as Fish Mabalah, is a popular dish in the Gulf region. Loved for its unique flavor, it’s a favorite among Gulf residents.
This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, provides a healthy amount of calories, and is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that benefit the body and promote heart health.
Ingredients for Mabalah Safi (Serves Four):
- 8 Safi fish (rabbitfish).
- 4 dates.
- 4 onions, finely chopped.
- 1 teaspoon of minced ginger.
- 1 teaspoon of grated garlic.
- 1 grated green chili.
- 2 dried black lemons (loomi), pulp only.
- ¼ cup of chopped parsley.
- ¼ cup of chopped cilantro.
- 3 cups of rice.
- Saffron water (soaked saffron).
- 1 teaspoon of cumin.
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric.
- 1 teaspoon of mixed spice (bzar).
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander.
- 1 teaspoon of cardamom.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder.
- Ghee or clarified butter, as needed.
Steps to Cook Mabalah Safi:
Prepare the Fish:
- Place the fish in a large pot. Add the dates, ginger, garlic, and water. Mix well to combine.
- Place the pot on medium heat and boil the fish for about 15 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat, debone the fish, and peel off the skin. Set the fish aside on a plate.
Prepare the Sautéed Mix:
- Heat some oil in a large pan. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they soften and turn golden brown.
- Add cinnamon, green chili, garlic, and ginger. Stir well to combine.
- Add the cooked fish to the pan, stirring gently to fry it slightly.
- Mix in all the spices (cumin, turmeric, mixed spice, ground coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and chili powder).
- Add the chopped parsley and cilantro. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Layer the Rice and Fish:
- In a large pot, add a layer of oil.
- Start layering with rice, then a layer of the fish mixture. Repeat the process, finishing with a top layer of fish.
- Drizzle saffron water over the top layer. Melt some ghee and pour it over the rice and fish.
Cook the Mabalah Safi:
- Cover the pot tightly and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the dish to cook fully.
Serve:
- Remove the pot from the heat and gently transfer the Mabalah Safi to a serving dish.
- Serve it hot and enjoy its rich and flavorful taste with your family.
Bon appétit!

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