Saudi Special Beef Mandi Platter

 

Saudi Special Beef Mandi Platter 

Introduction

Beef Mandi, a traditional Saudi Arabian dish, is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish cooked with succulent beef and aromatic spices. This hearty platter is a popular choice for celebrations, gatherings, and festive occasions. Known for its tender meat and subtly spiced rice, Mandi represents the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating an authentic Saudi Special Beef Mandi Platter in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 kg beef (with bone, preferably shank or brisket)
• 1 large onion (quartered)
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• Salt to taste
• 4 cups water

For the Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
• 4 cups beef stock (from the boiled beef)
• 1 large onion (sliced)
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 4 cardamom pods
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste

For the Mandi Spice Mix:

• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp ground cardamom

Optional Garnishes:

• Fried onions
• Toasted nuts (almonds or cashews)
• Raisins
• Fresh coriander leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Beef:

1.     Rinse the beef pieces under running water and pat them dry.

2.     In a large pot, add the beef, onion, garlic cloves, bay leaves, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, and salt. Cover with 4 cups of water.

3.     Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-1.5 hours or until the beef is tender. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface during cooking.

4.     Once cooked, remove the beef pieces and set them aside. Strain the stock and reserve it for cooking the rice.

2. Preparing the Mandi Spice Mix:

1.     In a small bowl, mix turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, and ground cardamom. Set aside.

3. Cooking the Rice:

1.     Heat ghee or oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cardamom pods, and the bay leaf. Sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.

2.     Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown.

3.     Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Stir gently to coat the rice with the aromatic oil.

4.     Pour in the reserved beef stock and season with salt. Add half of the prepared Mandi spice mix.

5.     Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.

4. Roasting the Beef:

1.     Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

2.     Rub the cooked beef pieces with the remaining Mandi spice mix.

3.     Place the beef on a baking tray and roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until slightly browned and crispy on the outside.

5. Assembling the Mandi Platter:

1.     Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and transfer it to a large serving platter.

2.     Arrange the roasted beef pieces on top of the rice.

3.     Garnish with fried onions, toasted nuts, raisins, and fresh coriander leaves for added flavor and visual appeal.

6. Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Beef Mandi hot with a side of tomato chutney or yogurt raita. For an authentic experience, enjoy it with your hands while seated on a traditional floor mat.

Tips for Perfect Beef Mandi:

• Rice: Use good-quality basmati rice for a fluffy and aromatic texture. Soaking the rice helps it cook evenly.
• Beef: Choose cuts with some fat for added flavor and tenderness. Slow cooking ensures the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Spices: Adjust the Mandi spice mix according to your taste preference. You can increase or decrease the heat by varying the paprika and black pepper.
• Stock: Use the beef stock for cooking the rice to enhance its flavor. Straining the stock ensures a smooth and clean taste.
• Presentation: Garnish generously for a festive touch.

Why Beef Mandi is a Culinary Gem
Beef Mandi’s charm lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. The tender meat, fragrant rice, and carefully balanced spices make it a dish that’s both comforting and celebratory. Its cultural significance and versatility have made it a beloved recipe across the Middle East and beyond.