Yemeni Spice Rub Recipes

HAWAIJ - TRADITIONAL SPICE MIX FROM YEMEN.

Steps:

• Put everything except the turmeric into a frying pan & dry fry (no oil required) for a couple of minutes.
• Allow to cool, grind using a spice / coffee grinder or mortar & pestle. Add the turmer, mix well & store in an container in a cool, dark place.

HWAYEJ (HAWAIJ) SPICE MIX

Steps:

• On a skillet over medium low heat add all the spices except for the turmeric.
• Roast the spices for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
• Put the roasted spices on a plate and let them cool down.
• Finely grind the spices in your coffee grinder.
• Sift the ground spices and discard big chunks then mix in the turmeric.
• Put the spice mix in a jar with a tight lid and store in a cool dry place.

YEMENI SPICE RUB

Steps:

• Heat heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add first 5 ingredients; toast until aromatic and cumin seeds are slightly darker, stirring often, about 2 minutes. Cool slightly. Working in batches, finely grind spice mixture and salt in spice mill. Transfer to medium bowl. Whisk in turmeric. Transfer to airtight container. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 month ahead. Store at room temperature.

HAWAIJ - YEMENI SPICE MIX

Steps:

• Place all of the whole spices (except turmeric) into a frying pan on medium heat and toast this for approximately 2-3 minutes. Do not let the spices burn.
• When the spices cool, place them into a coffee grinder or a spice grinder. You could also use a mortar and pestle. Grind until smooth.
• Run the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the large pieces. Then mix in the turmeric.
• Store in a glass jar or wrap in plastic bags to give as a gift.

CHICKEN MANDI

Steps:

• Mix them all up and keep in airtight container.
• Season the chicken with salt. Mix butter with 2 teaspoons from the spice mix and brush the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes. You can skip the 10 minutes if you don't have much time.
• Preheat oven to 190C/375F. Cover the chicken with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 25 minutes. If the chicken is bigger you will need to bake it a little longer. Keep aside.
• In a pan add the olive oil, when hot add the onion and fry until translucent.
• Add the tomatoes and green chili, stir on medium heat for 4 minutes.
• Add the Yemeni spice mix, stir for two minutes. Pour the water and season with salt.
• When the water comes to a boil, add the rice. When it starts to boil again, cover tightly. Heat should turned down to the lowest.
• After 15 minutes, uncover the rice and gently stir, just to bring the bottom rice to the top. Cover tightly and cook for another 15-17 minutes.
• When serving, place the chicken on top of the rice and garnish with almonds and raisins.

HAWAIJ -- HAWAYEJ -- HAWAIEGE -- YEMENI SPICE MIXTURE

Steps:

• Finely grind peppercorns and seeds in grinder, then transfer to a bowl and stir in turmeric.
• Keeps for a month, covered in a cool place.