Indulge in the aromatic splendor of Sumac Symphony: Musakhan Delicacy, a classic Palestinian dish that beautifully marries the tangy zest of sumac with tender chicken and caramelized onions. Served atop a soft, pillowy flatbread, this dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making each bite a memorable experience.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4 people
- Serving Size: 1 large flatbread with toppings
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on: 800 grams (28.2 ounces / 1.76 pounds)
- Large onions, thinly sliced: 600 grams (21.2 ounces / 1.32 pounds)
- Sumac: 30 grams (1 ounce / 0.066 pounds)
- Olive oil: 60 ml (2 ounces / 0.125 pounds)
- Pine nuts: 50 grams (1.76 ounces / 0.11 pounds)
- Flatbread (like taboon or pita): 4 pieces
- Salt: 5 grams (0.18 ounces / 0.01 pounds)
- Ground black pepper: 2 grams (0.07 ounces / 0.004 pounds)
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Marinate Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs with half the sumac, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook Onions: In a large pan, heat half the olive oil. Add the onions and the remaining sumac. Cook until onions are caramelized.
- Cook Chicken: In another pan, heat the remaining oil and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Toast Pine Nuts: In a small pan, toast the pine nuts until golden.
- Assemble Musakhan: Place the flatbread on a baking sheet. Top with caramelized onions, cooked chicken, and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Caramelizing the onions slowly brings out their natural sweetness, complementing the sumac's tanginess.
- Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked before assembling to maintain food safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can I use if I don’t have sumac?
Lemon zest mixed with a touch of paprika can be a substitute, though sumac's unique flavor is irreplaceable.
Can Musakhan be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead and assemble and bake just before serving.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for Musakhan?
Grilled portobello mushrooms can replace chicken for a vegetarian version.