Enjoy the richness of the olive oil along with the tangy flavor of the sumac sprinkled on crunchy chicken skin in this mahloos chicken recipe from Palestine.
Ramadan is right around the corner ( most probably by June 18th/19th), Egypt is getting ready for the holy month. Mosques are decorated, kids are decorating alleys and their houses with fanoos Ramadan (Ramadan Lantern) and colorful papers, everything is getting prettier here as it is this season of the year which Muslims are looking for.
As Cairo is considered the Middle Eastern Hollywood , TV production companies were preparing the whole year for this month, there are tens of series and shows that are supposed to be broadcasting. Millions are spent in the production and advertisement which are installed heavily in main roads. Voices are raised each year to stop this crazy media as this should be a month of worship and not to waste these precious moments on TV.
Huge advertisement are installed on the 6th of October bridge- the main bridge in Cairo.
Tons of ads in such a small area!!!
It even lights up Cairo sky at night 😉
Stores are packed with people stocking food for this month!!! Kids are excited everywhere to buy Ramadan lanterns, Ramadan songs are being broadcasted in radio and TV channels.. it is a very joyful season here as Christmas in USA.
Speaking of Ramadan, today’s recipe is very easy and handy, comes from Palestine so you should expect lots of olive oil and sumac as well. If you do not have sumac handy you can use lime juice. This is great for busy Ramadan days when you want a simple quick recipe to fuel everyone and yet still be able to pray the Qeyam (night) prayer.
Here is a short video to show you how to make this delicious Palestinian recipe.
- 1 whole chicken cut into 8 pieces.
- 1 1/4 c olive oil.
- 4 yellow onions.
- 1/2 Tbs salt - or to your liking.
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- 2 Tbs sumac.
- 2 tsp ground cardamom.
- 1/2 Tbs 7 spices mix.
- Ground allspice, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, fennel and ginger.
- Chop onions in food processor.
- Add all the spices and the oil.
- Mix very well.
- Spread half of the onion mixture in an oven dish.
- Place the chicken pieces then add the remaining onion mixture.
- Mix the chicken very well
- Let it set for at least a couple go hours.
- Cover and bake until done then uncover and broil.
- Enjoy.
Salam aleikum. I was feeling a little lazy so i just put all the spices, onion and oil in a blender and then on the chicken. I loved this dish and so did my whole family! And i dont usually even like chicken that much. I also made a baby frendly version of this chicken to my little girl, she loved it too. This is now one of my favorite foods, thank you for shering this recipe 🙂 I hope you have a good Ramadan!
Have a wonderful Ramadan season! Sumac is one of my favourite spices and I always try and add it into dishes as it adds so much to a dish! 😀
Wishing you a wonderful Ramadan. I enjoyed reading your reflections on the holiday. And your chicken looks terrific—I’ve been drying to use sumac in a recipe 🙂
I love sumac!! I’m going to try this dish on Saturday. Please tell me what heat and how long do you usually bake it?
May you have a blessed Ramadan season, Amira
I love the lanterns. May you and your family have a blessed month. I am definitely making this chicken dish. I have sumac waiting to go in to the dish! 🙂
Wishing you peace, love and happiness not only during Ramadan but throughout the year. The Ramadan lantern are very pretty and intricate, what are they made of? Do you save them or buy new ones every year?
Wishing you a good Ramadan, wow love those lanterns and the chicken looks delicious. I keep forgetting to use my sumac so great inspiration!
I hope your holiday is terrific! And how much fun to be celebrating it in Cairo. Lovely dish — a new one to me. Thanks.
Ramadan Kareem, my friend!! May Allah, swt, accept your fasts and all your good deeds in this most blessed month. This is the best time to be in a Muslim country and actually enjoy the festivities! The cities light up and excitement abounds. I’m sure your boys are loving this.
The djaj looks delicious! Palestinian food is one of all time favourite, I have so many friends from that region and have grown up eating it!
Have a lovely Ramadan!
Amira, wishing you a very safe and happy holiday and I bet you have been super busy preparing. I love sumac and can’t wait to try your recipe and with the combination of the 7 spices sounds really good. Take Care
May you have a blessed and peaceful Ramadan Amira. I fasted once whe I was married and remember it as a lovely time of the year, giving me the chance to focus on what’s important in life.
Lovely recipe I will enjoy doing this summer. Take care and May God make it easy for all of you to fast under such heat.
This looks very flavorful and delicious Amrita! I was not aware that Cairo was the Middle Eastern Hollywood! Much must have changed since I was there!
Pinned! Thanks for sharing your recipe and hope you enjoy your pending holiday!