Mufatah – Traditional Gulf Recipe – How to Prepare Mufatah

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Mufatah – Traditional Gulf Recipe – How to Prepare Mufatah

Mufatah is one of the most famous dishes in Gulf cuisine, commonly served during Ramadan iftar meals. Its delicious taste, high nutritional value, and ease of preparation make it a popular choice. This recipe serves three people and requires approximately 50 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients for Mufatah:

Mufatah

 

  • Chicken:

    • 4 chicken breasts with bone

  • For Cooking:

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 3 garlic cloves
    • 1 hot pepper (red or green)
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 piece of galangal
    • 4 cardamom pods
    • 1 dried bay leaf
    • 1 dried lime (loomi)

  • For Flavoring:

    • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
    • 1 teaspoon curry powder
    • Juice of half a lemon
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • For Garnishing:

    • Toasted pine nuts (optional)
    • Raisins (optional)
    • Cooked white rice (to serve)

Steps to Prepare Mufatah:

  1. Cook the Aromatics and Chicken:

    • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and hot pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
    • Add the chicken pieces to the pot and season with salt, black pepper, and cumin.
    • Add the galangal, cardamom pods, dried lime, and bay leaf. Cook the chicken on both sides until golden brown.

  2. Simmer the Chicken:

    • Pour 1/4 cup of water into the pot and cover it. Let the chicken simmer until fully cooked. Add more water if needed during cooking.

  3. Prepare the Lemon-Curry Mixture:

    • In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, curry powder, turmeric, and the remaining olive oil. Stir until well combined.

  4. Bake the Chicken:

    • Brush a baking tray with the lemon-curry mixture using a brush. Place the cooked chicken pieces in the tray and coat them with the mixture.
    • Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes until the chicken is golden and slightly crispy.

  5. Combine with Rice:

    • Take the remaining onion and spice mixture from the pot and mix it gently with the cooked white rice. Transfer the rice to a serving platter.

  6. Assemble the Dish:

    • Arrange the baked chicken pieces on top of the rice or beside it, depending on your preference.
    • Garnish the dish with toasted pine nuts and raisins for added flavor and presentation.

Mufatah is now ready to serve! This dish is perfect for sharing with family or guests, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Bon appétit!

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