Spiced Shrimp Machbous Pilaf
Experience the rich flavors of the Gulf with this delightful Spiced Shrimp Machbous Pilaf. A stunning one-dish meal that combines succulent shrimp with fragrant basmati rice, simmered in a medley of spices and fresh ingredients that bring warmth and vibrancy to any dining table. This recipe is a fusion of tradition and personal touch, as it adapts classic elements to create an appealing and colorful dish. Perfectly paired with a refreshing salad, this dish promises a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Elevate your presentation by adding whole king prawns on top for an extra touch of elegance!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Basmati rice
2 cups (Rinsed and soaked)
Ghee
4 tablespoons (Melted)
Onions
2 large (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
6 (Chopped)
Shelled shrimp
1 kg (Cleaned and deveined)
Curry powder
2 teaspoons (Ground)
Cinnamon sticks
2 (Whole)
Bay leaves
2 (Whole)
Baharat
2 teaspoons (Substituted with curry powder)
Ground cardamom
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Peeled and chopped tomatoes
4 large (Chopped)
Fresh coriander
1/4 cup (Finely chopped)
Salt
2 teaspoons (To taste)
Ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Turmeric
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Water
1 1/2 cups (Cold)
Almonds
1/2 cup (Boiled, shelled, and halved)
Instructions
1
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes before draining.
2
In a large pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, frying until they are golden brown and fragrant.
3
Stir in the shelled shrimp, curry powder, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and ground cardamom. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque.
4
Remove half of the shrimp from the pan and set them aside for garnishing later.
5
To the remaining shrimp in the pan, add the baharat, chopped tomatoes, fresh coriander, salt, black pepper, and turmeric. Stir for about 5 minutes until well combined and the tomatoes break down slightly.
6
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
7
Carefully stir in the soaked and drained rice into the pot. Bring it back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
8
While the rice is cooking, prepare the almonds. Boil them for 2-3 minutes, then remove their shells and slice them in half.
9
In a small pan, fry the halved almonds in a little ghee until they are golden brown.
10
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork and transfer it to a large serving platter.
11
Top the rice with the reserved shrimp and crispy fried almonds for garnish. Serve hot alongside a vibrant salad.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
32.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Shrimp Machbous Pilaf?
It is a traditional Gulf cuisine one-dish meal featuring succulent shrimp, fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of aromatic spices.
How many calories are in a serving of this shrimp pilaf?
There are 300 calories per serving.
What kind of rice is used for Machbous?
Basmati rice is used in this recipe for its fragrance and texture.
How long should I soak the basmati rice?
The rice should be soaked for 30 minutes after rinsing until the water runs clear.
What are the nutritional values for fat and protein?
This dish contains 12.5g of fat and 25g of protein per serving.
What can I use if I do not have Baharat?
You can substitute Baharat with an equal amount of curry powder.
How much shrimp is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 kg of shelled, cleaned, and deveined shrimp.
What is the carbohydrate content of this dish?
There are 32.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prepare the almonds for the garnish?
Boil the almonds for 2-3 minutes, remove their shells, slice them in half, and fry them in ghee until golden brown.
What fats are used for cooking the pilaf?
Ghee is used for frying the onions, garlic, shrimp, and almonds.
How much water is needed to cook the rice?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of cold water.
What spices are included in the shrimp Machbous?
The spice blend includes curry powder, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, ground cardamom, baharat, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe requires 6 chopped garlic cloves.
What is the recommended cooking time for the rice?
The rice should simmer covered for 25-30 minutes on low heat.
How do I serve the Spiced Shrimp Machbous Pilaf?
Transfer the fluffed rice to a platter, top with reserved shrimp and fried almonds, and serve hot with a fresh salad.
Why should I set aside half of the shrimp during cooking?
Half of the shrimp are removed early and set aside to be used as a garnish for better presentation.
Can I add king prawns to this dish?
Yes, adding whole king prawns on top is suggested to elevate the presentation for an elegant touch.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe uses 2 large chopped onions.
What type of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 large peeled and chopped tomatoes.
Is fresh coriander used in this dish?
Yes, 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh coriander is added to the mixture.
What is the specific preparation for the onions and garlic?
They should be fried in ghee until they are golden brown and fragrant.
How do I know when the shrimp are ready in the initial stage?
Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they turn opaque.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 2 teaspoons of salt, or to taste.
What is the role of turmeric in this recipe?
One teaspoon of ground turmeric is used to add warmth, flavor, and a vibrant color to the rice.
Should the rice be boiled or simmered?
Bring the liquid to a boil first, then reduce the heat to low and simmer the rice tightly covered.
Is this dish considered a Mediterranean recipe?
While it has Mediterranean tags, it is specifically described as a rich flavor of the Gulf region.
How many cinnamon sticks are used?
Two whole cinnamon sticks are included in the spice mix.
What should the texture of the tomatoes be?
Stir the tomatoes for about 5 minutes until they break down slightly into the mixture.
How many bay leaves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 whole bay leaves.
How do I finish the rice after it is done cooking?
Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork before transferring it to the serving platter.