3 Easy Kuwaiti Recipes

As Kuwaiti National Day approaches, it’s not just about commemorating the country’s independence; it’s also an opportunity to celebrate its rich cultural heritage, including its diverse and flavourful cuisine. Kuwaiti National Day, observed on February 25th, marks the day when Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah ascended to the throne in 1950, initiating a new era of independence and progress for Kuwait.

In honour of this special occasion, why not bring the flavours of Kuwait into your own home with these three easy-to-make Kuwaiti food recipes? From the iconic chicken machboos to the comforting margoog recipe and the flavourful machbooslaham, these dishes offer a taste of Kuwaiti tradition that will surely make your National Day celebrations even more memorable.

Chicken Machboos: A Taste of Tradition

Chicken machboos is a quintessential dish in Kuwaiti cuisine, often served during special occasions. This flavourful dish features tender chicken infused with aromatic spices and served atop fragrant rice.

To prepare chicken machboos:

• Marinate chicken pieces in a blend of cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, and salt for at least an hour.

• In a large pot, sauté chopped onions, garlic, and tomatoes until soft and fragrant.

• Add the marinated chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.

• Pour in water or chicken broth to cover the chicken, then bring to a simmer and cook until the chicken is tender.

• Meanwhile, rinse and soak basmati rice, then drain.

• Add the soaked rice to the pot along with saffron threads and additional water or broth if needed.

• Cover and cook until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked.

• Serve the chicken machboos hot over the fragrant rice, garnished with fried onions and chopped parsley.

Margoog Recipe: A Hearty Comfort Food

Margoog is a comforting stew that warms the soul with its hearty flavours. This versatile dish combines meat, vegetables, and spices to create a wholesome meal that is perfect for gatherings.

To make margoog:

• In a large pot, sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger until softened.

• Add cubed lamb or chicken pieces to the pot and brown on all sides.

• Stir in chopped carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and any other vegetables of your choice. 

• Season with ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and salt to taste.

• Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients, then bring to a boil.

• Reduce the heat and simmer until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

• In a small bowl, mix together flour and water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew to thicken.

• Serve the margoog hot with bread or rice for a comforting and satisfying meal.

MachboosLaham: A Flavourful Rice Dish

Machbooslaham is a delicious rice dish that showcases the culinary expertise of Kuwaiti cuisine. Tender lamb is cooked with fragrant rice and spices, creating a dish that is bursting with flavour.

To prepare machbooslaham:

• Marinate lamb pieces in a mixture of ground coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, and salt, along with minced garlic and grated ginger.

• Brown the marinated lamb in a large pot until caramelized on all sides.

• Pour in enough water to cover the lamb, then bring to a simmer and cook until the meat is tender.

• Meanwhile, rinse and soak basmati rice, then drain. Add the soaked rice to the pot along with saffron threads, cardamom pods, and bay leaves.

• Cover and cook until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked.

• Serve the machbooslaham hot, garnished with fried onions and chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavour.

As Kuwaiti National Day approaches, celebrate the occasion by trying these three easy and delicious Kuwaiti food recipes. Whether you’re enjoying a festive meal with family or simply exploring new flavours, these dishes offer a taste of Kuwaiti tradition that will surely make your National Day celebrations even more special. Happy cooking and happy National Day!

FAQs

What is the national dish of Kuwait?

The national dish of Kuwait is machboos, the fragrant and flavourful rise-based stew which we have provided recipes for. This dish is a staple in many Kuwaiti households, and is the perfect way to commemorate Kuwait’s national day.

What can I serve with these dishes?

There are many options for side dishes. Try making a simple salad with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions, olive oil and pomegranate molasses. Or perhaps also try making some crispy chicken with dipping sauce to complement the softer textures of these dishes. This guide from Originz for how to make crispy chicken will give you all the tips you need to up your crispy chicken game.For drinks, try following the main course with a platter of traditional sweet treats and some mint tea or Arabic coffee. Your guests will be sure to thank you for your hospitality!

How do I make my Kuwaiti food more nutritious?

One sure-fire way to make your Arabic cooking more nutritious is to use organic food. Organic food often has a higher nutritional value than processed food, because of the sustainable farming methods that use minimal food processing.

Further Read,

Different Types of Pastas

Is Popcorn a Healthy Option for You?

The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Chicken: Tips and Tricks to Get the Perfect Crunch