This iconic Jordanian dish traditionally features lamb, but our chicken version brings a lighter, more accessible take on the classic. Don’t worry, we’re keeping all the rich, comforting flavors that make mansaf a beloved staple.
What makes this recipe special is the interplay of tangy jameed (fermented yogurt sauce) with aromatic rice and melt-in-your-mouth chicken. We’ll walk you through creating a simplified version of jameed that captures its distinctive flavor without the need for hard-to-find ingredients.
The result? A dish that’s both comforting and impressive, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself on a cozy night in. And here’s a pro tip: our roasted vegetable side dish pairs beautifully with this mansaf, adding color and a delightful contrast of textures to your plate.
Ready to transport your taste buds to Jordan? Let’s get cooking! And don’t forget to share your mansaf adventures in the comments – I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own.
Why Mansaf Recipe Is a Love?
- I was initially intimidated by mansaf, but this chicken version has become my go-to for impressing dinner guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
- The simplified jameed sauce was a game-changer for me – it captures the essence of the traditional flavor without requiring specialized ingredients.
- I’ve found this recipe to be incredibly versatile. Leftover chicken mansaf makes for amazing wraps or salad toppers the next day.
- Despite being a “lighter” version, it still feels like a true comfort food experience. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant rice, and tangy sauce is simply irresistible.
- This dish has sparked so many great conversations around my dinner table about food traditions and cultural fusion. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a conversation starter.
Mansaf Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Saucepan
- Pan for toasting nuts
- Large serving platter
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden spoon or whisk
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken cut into serving pieces
- 1,1/2 quarts plain yogurt
- 1 egg
- 1 cup almonds freshly toasted
- ½ cup pine nuts freshly toasted
- to taste parsley, finely chopped
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 6 servings long grain white rice like basmati
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a large pot with salted water. Cook over medium heat for about 45 minutes until almost done.
- Cook the Rice: In a separate pan, cook enough basmati rice for 6 servings. Keep warm.
- Prepare Yogurt Sauce: In a saucepan, stir yogurt until smooth. Add a beaten egg and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Thin the Sauce: Add enough chicken cooking liquid to the yogurt mixture to reach a heavy cream consistency. Heat until it thickens slightly.
- Finish Cooking Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the yogurt sauce and simmer on low until fully cooked.
- Assemble the Dish: Mound the cooked rice on a large platter, arrange the chicken on top, and pour most of the sauce over the dish.
- Garnish: Sprinkle toasted almonds, pine nuts, and chopped parsley around the edges. Serve with warm pita bread.
Nutrition
My Top Tips that Will Make a Difference to Mansaf!
- Add Crunch with Nuts: Authentic Mansaf, like many Middle Eastern rice dishes, is traditionally topped with toasted or fried nuts. This step is important because it adds a delicious crunch and unique flavor to the dish. Fry the nuts in butter or ghee right before serving.
- Perfect Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be just right—not too thick and not too runny. Aim for the consistency of thin gravy.
- Speed Up Cooking: Use a pressure cooker instead of a regular pot to cook the chicken faster. This method makes the meat tender in less than an hour.
- Avoid Food Sitting Out: Don’t let the food sit at room temperature for too long to ensure safety and freshness.
- Marinate for Flavor: Marinate the chicken in a mix of yogurt, warm water, and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves for several hours or overnight. This step adds flavor and makes the meat more tender.
Unique Adaptations to Explore with This Mansaf Recipe!
- Yogurt: If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, you can use dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt instead. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to keep the flavor balanced.
- Garnish: Get creative with toppings! Try adding chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or pomegranate seeds for extra color and flavor.
- Sauce: For a different twist, use a tomato-based sauce with herbs like mint, cilantro, or a touch of lemon zest. This adds a new layer of flavor to your mansaf if you enjoy experimenting with recipes!
