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Authentic Palestinian Maftoul

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Authentic Palestinian Maftoul is a comforting traditional dish made with hand-rolled wheat grains, chickpeas, and spiced chicken simmered in an aromatic broth. Hearty, flavorful, and culturally rich, it’s a beloved staple perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

  • For the chicken broth:
  • 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) or 6–8 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • For the maftoul:
  • 2 cups Palestinian maftoul (hand-rolled wheat pearls)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked or canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
  • Optional garnish:
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges
  • Extra chickpeas or caramelized onions

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft.
  2. Add chicken pieces and lightly brown on all sides.
  3. Stir in bay leaves, cinnamon stick, allspice, black pepper, and salt. Add enough water to fully cover the chicken.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes, skimming foam as needed.
  5. Once chicken is cooked, remove and set aside. Strain the broth and reserve for cooking the maftoul.
  6. In a separate large pot, heat olive oil or butter and sauté chopped onions until golden.
  7. Add maftoul and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring to coat the grains in oil and onion.
  8. Season with ground cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  9. Add chickpeas and enough reserved broth to cover the maftoul by about 1 inch.
  10. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until maftoul is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  11. Optional: For extra flavor, bake or pan-fry the cooked chicken until the skin is golden and crispy.
  12. Fluff the maftoul and serve topped with chicken, garnished with parsley, lemon wedges, and caramelized onions if desired.

Notes

Use bone-in chicken for richer broth.Ready-made Palestinian maftoul is available at Middle Eastern stores or online.Steaming the maftoul is traditional but simmering in broth adds excellent flavor and is faster.Add tomato paste to the broth for a deeper color and richer taste.This dish reheats well and can be made ahead of time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/authentic-palestinian-maftoul/