Makbous, also known as Majboos, is a traditional Algerian dish characterized by its flavorful rice base combined with tender meat, vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. It's a staple in Algerian and Middle Eastern cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavors and cultural significance.

Makbous has roots in the diverse culinary traditions of Algeria, reflecting influences from Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean cuisines. The dish showcases the region's use of spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, which add depth and complexity to its flavor profile. Typically served during festive occasions and family gatherings, Makbous not only satisfies hunger but also symbolizes hospitality and community bonds in Algerian culture.

Enjoy preparing and savoring this delightful Algerian dish!

Ingredients:

For the Meat and Marinade:

• 500 grams of lamb or chicken, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice:

• 2 cups long-grain Basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
• 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Marinate the Meat:

1- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

2- Add the meat chunks to the marinade, making sure they are well-coated.

3- Cover the bowl and let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight for better flavor.

Cook the Meat:

1- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat.

2- Add the marinated meat and brown it on all sides.

3- Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.

4- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until they start to break down.

5- Pour in enough water to cover the meat, and then reduce the heat to a simmer.

6- Cover the pot and let the meat cook until tender. This may take 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of meat.

Prepare the Vegetables:

1- While the meat is cooking, prepare the vegetables. In a separate pan, sauté the green and red bell peppers, carrots, and green peas until they are slightly tender.

Cook the Rice:

1- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

2- In a separate pot, heat some vegetable oil, add the rice, and sauté it for a few minutes.

3- Add ground coriander, ground turmeric, and season with salt and pepper.

4- Pour in 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil.

5- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer until it's cooked and the water is absorbed.

Assemble the Makbous:

1- Once the meat is tender and the rice is cooked, layer the cooked rice onto a large serving platter.

2- Top the rice with the sautéed vegetables and meat.

3- You can also sprinkle raisins and toasted almonds over the top for added flavor and texture.

Serve:

1- Garnish the Makbous with fresh coriander or parsley.

Algerian Makbous is a delightful and fragrant dish that's perfect for special occasions and gatherings. Enjoy the fusion of flavors that this dish brings to your table.

Nutritional Values

Providing exact nutritional values for the ingredients in the Algerian Makbous recipe can be challenging as it may vary based on the specific brands and preparation methods used. However, I can provide you with approximate nutritional information for some of the key ingredients. Keep in mind that these values are rough estimates and can vary based on portion size and variations in the ingredients used.

For 100 grams of cooked lamb:

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Protein: 20-25 grams
• Fat: 17-21 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams

benefits: Provides protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

For 100 grams of chicken breast:

• Calories: 165 kcal
• Protein: 31 grams
• Fat: 3.6 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams

benefits: Provides protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

For 100 grams of Basmati rice (cooked):

• Calories: 130-150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28-30 grams
• Protein: 2-3 grams
• Fat: 0-0.5 grams

benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy and is lower in glycemic index compared to other rice varieties.

For 100 grams of vegetable oil (used for cooking):

• Calories: 884 kcal
• Fat: 100 grams

benefits: Contains healthy fats and may help lower cholesterol levels.

For 100 grams of green peas (cooked):

• Calories: 42-80 kcal
• Protein: 2-5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 8-15 grams
• Fat: 0-1 gram

benefits: Good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.

For 100 grams of raisins:

• Calories: 299 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 79 grams
• Fiber: 3.7 grams
• Sugars: 59 grams

benefits: Provide natural sweetness and small amounts of fiber and antioxidants.

For 100 grams of almonds (toasted, without added oil or salt):

• Calories: 576 kcal
• Protein: 21 grams
• Carbohydrates: 21 grams
• Fat: 49 grams
• Fiber: 12 grams

benefits: Rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, with potential benefits for heart health.

Please note that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and cooking methods used. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information, it's recommended to use a kitchen scale and check the labels on the products you're using, or consult a nutrition database for specific ingredient information.