Discover the deliciousness of Mandi, a traditional Middle Eastern dish featuring rice cooked with tender meat and aromatic spices. Similar to Kabsa but with its unique preparation method, this recipe will guide you through creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, Mandi offers a rich blend of spices and savory meat that will delight your taste buds. Learn how to make this classic dish with our step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups Basmati rice

- 1 kg lamb or chicken, cut into pieces

- 2 large onions, finely chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or ghee

- 1/4 cup Mandi spice mix (available at Middle Eastern stores or homemade)

- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 2 bay leaves

- 4 cups chicken or beef broth

- 1 cup plain yogurt

- Salt to taste

- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

- Optional: Sliced almonds, raisins, and fried onions for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Rice:

  - Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Cook the Meat:

  - Heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent.

  - Add the meat pieces to the pot and brown on all sides. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.

Add Spices and Broth

  - Stir in the Mandi spice mix, turmeric, cumin, coriander, black pepper, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are fragrant.

  - Pour in the chicken or beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the meat is tender.

Prepare the Rice:

  - In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the drained rice and cook until it’s halfway done. Drain the rice and set aside.

Combine and Cook:

  - Gently fold the partially cooked rice into the meat mixture in the large pot. Stir in the plain yogurt and adjust the salt to taste.

  - Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the flavors.

Serve:

  - Fluff the Mandi rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Optionally, top with sliced almonds, raisins, and fried onions.

Enjoy:

  - Serve the Mandi hot, accompanied by a side salad or yogurt sauce if desired.

This Mandi recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home, offering a taste of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine with every bite.

Nutritional values

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values and benefits for the ingredients in your Mandi dish recipe:

Basmati Rice - 2 cups

 - Calories: 430

 - Fat: 0.8g

 - Carbohydrates: 96g

 - Protein: 8g

Benefits:

 - Provides a good source of energy through complex carbohydrates.

 - Lower in fat compared to some other rice types.

 - Aromatic and has a light texture when cooked.

Lamb or Chicken - 1 kg

 - Calories: 1100

 - Fat: 60g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 130g

Benefits:

 - High in protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

 - Rich in vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, iron, and zinc.

 - Chicken is lower in fat compared to lamb.

Onions - 2 large

 - Calories: 120

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 30g

 - Protein: 2g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants like quercetin, which may reduce inflammation.

 - Adds flavor with minimal calories.

Garlic - 3 cloves

 - Calories: 12

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 3g

 - Protein: 0.6g

Benefits:

 - Contains allicin, which may have antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.

 - Adds flavor and has minimal calories.

Tomatoes - 2 medium

 - Calories: 44

 - Fat: 0.5g

 - Carbohydrates: 10g

 - Protein: 2g

Benefits:

 - High in vitamins C and A.

 - Contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Vegetable Oil or Ghee - 1/4 cup

 - Calories: 480

 - Fat: 54g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds richness and helps in cooking.

 - Ghee provides additional fat-soluble vitamins and has a high smoke point.

Mandi Spice Mix - 1/4 cup

 - Varies depending on the mix; typically includes spices such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.

General Benefits:

  - Spices add complex flavors and may offer health benefits such as improved digestion and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground Turmeric - 1 teaspoon

 - Calories: 4

 - Fat: 0.1g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - Contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Ground Cumin - 1 teaspoon

 - Calories: 8

 - Fat: 0.5g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.4g

Benefits:

 - Adds a warm, earthy flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and aids in digestion.

Ground Coriander - 1 teaspoon

 - Calories: 6

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.3g

Benefits:

 - Adds a mild, citrusy flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and may help with digestion.

Ground Black Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon

 - Calories: 3

 - Fat: 0.1g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.8g

 - Protein: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - May enhance the absorption of nutrients.

 - Adds mild heat and flavor.

Ground Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon

 - Calories: 3

 - Fat: 0.1g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - Adds warmth and sweetness.

 - May help regulate blood sugar levels.

Bay Leaves - 2

 - Minimal impact on calories or macronutrients.

Benefits:

 - Adds aromatic flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and may aid in digestion.

Chicken or Beef Broth - 4 cups

 - Varies depending on preparation.

Benefits:

 - Adds depth of flavor.

 - Provides some nutrients and may contribute to hydration.

Plain Yogurt - 1 cup

 - Calories: 150

 - Fat: 8g

 - Carbohydrates: 11g

 - Protein: 9g

Benefits:

 - Source of calcium and protein.

 - Contains probiotics which support digestive health.

Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (for garnish)

 - Calories: 1

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds fresh flavor and vitamins.

 - Low in calories.

Optional Garnishes: Sliced Almonds, Raisins, Fried Onions

Sliced Almonds (1/4 cup):

 - Calories: 130

 - Fat: 11g

 - Carbohydrates: 5g

 - Protein: 5g

Benefits: Adds crunch and healthy fats.

Raisins (1/4 cup):

 - Calories: 100

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 27g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits: Adds sweetness and iron.

Fried Onions (1/4 cup):

 - Calories: 150

 - Fat: 8g

 - Carbohydrates: 18g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits: Adds crispy texture and rich flavor.

This Mandi dish combines flavorful spices, aromatic rice, and tender meat, making it a well-balanced and nutritious meal. The spices add depth and potential health benefits, while the rice provides energy and the meat offers high-quality protein. Optional garnishes enhance texture and flavor but should be used in moderation.