Cook Palestinian Musakhan
Palestinian Musakhan is a delicious dish traditionally made with sumac-marinated chicken, caramelized onions, and toasted pine nuts, all served on a bed of flatbread. Here's how you can cook Palestinian Musakhan using sumac:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons ground sumac
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4-6 pieces of flatbread (such as taboon or pita bread)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (optional)
Instructions:
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Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ground sumac, salt, and black pepper. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
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Caramelize the Onions:
- In a skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and golden brown, stirring occasionally. This process may take about 20-25 minutes. Season the onions with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken pieces in a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Assemble the Musakhan:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and set it aside. Place the flatbread on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
- To assemble, place a piece of flatbread on a serving plate. Spoon some of the caramelized onions over the flatbread, then top with a few pieces of cooked chicken. Drizzle any remaining pan juices from the chicken over the top.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts (if using) over the Musakhan for added texture and flavor.
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Serve:
- Palestinian Musakhan is traditionally served family-style, with everyone tearing off pieces of flatbread and enjoying the flavorful chicken and onions together.
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Enjoy:
- Serve your sumac-infused Palestinian Musakhan hot and enjoy the rich, tangy flavors of sumac combined with the succulent chicken and caramelized onions.
This recipe offers a delightful way to showcase the unique flavor of sumac in a traditional Palestinian dish. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences and enjoy the taste of Palestine in your own kitchen!