Al-Mathbi

English: Slow-Cooked Meat / Deutsch: Langsam gekochtes Fleisch / Español: Carne cocida lentamente / Português: Carne Cozida lentamente / Français: Viande mijotée / Italiano: Carne cotta lentamente /

Al-Mathbi also known as Mathbi refers to a unique Saudi Arabian way of preparing and serving meat.

It involves grilling seasoned lamb or chicken on flat stones that are placed on top of burning embers.

The meat is usually lamb or goat, and the preparation involves grilling the meat over an open fire pit, typically using charcoal or wood. The meat is seasoned with traditional Saudi Arabian spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and served with a side of rice or bread.

Here are some examples of Al-Mathbi dishes:

1. Lamb Mathbi: This is one of the most popular Mathbi dishes and involves grilling a whole lamb over an open fire pit. The lamb is seasoned with a variety of spices and served with rice or bread.

2. Goat Mathbi: Similar to lamb Mathbi, goat Mathbi involves grilling a whole goat over an open fire pit. The goat is seasoned with traditional Saudi Arabian spices and served with rice or bread.

3. Chicken Mathbi: This is a variation of Mathbi that uses chicken instead of lamb or goat. The chicken is marinated in spices and then grilled over an open fire pit. It is usually served with a side of rice or bread.

Al-Mathbi is an important part of Saudi Arabian cuisine and is often served during special occasions such as weddings and Eid al-Fitr. The traditional method of grilling the meat over an open fire pit gives it a unique flavor and texture, and the dish is often enjoyed with family and friends.

Summary

Al-Mathbi is a traditional Middle Eastern dish typically consisting of marinated meat, usually lamb or chicken, cooked with rice in a special type of oven or buried in hot sand. The meat is first seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and cardamom, then left to marinate for several hours to absorb the flavors. Once marinated, the meat is layered with rice and cooked slowly to allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful dish that is popular in many Arab countries.