Palestinian Musakhan with Sumac Chicken and Caramelized Onions
Dive into the essence of Palestinian cuisine with this traditional Musakhan recipe, featuring sumac-spiced chicken and sweet caramelized onions atop flatbread, creating a dish that's as vibrant in flavor as it is in history.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Baking sheet
- Dry pan
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken thighs about 2 lbs or 900g
- 2 tbsp olive oil 30ml
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced about 2 lbs or 900g
- 1/4 cup sumac 30g
- 2 tsp ground cumin 4g
- 1 tsp ground coriander 2g
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large pieces of taboon bread or any flatbread like naan or pita
- 1/4 cup pine nuts 30g, toasted
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 8g
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of sumac, ground cumin, and ground coriander.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken thighs until they are golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and sweet, about 30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, sprinkle the remaining sumac over the onions.
- Once the onions are caramelized, layer them on top of the chicken thighs in the baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- While the chicken is baking, toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown, and set aside.
- To assemble, place the flatbreads on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for a few minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before placing on top of the flatbreads.
- Spoon the caramelized onions over the chicken, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice often used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It can be found in Middle Eastern markets or well-stocked grocery stores.
Taboon bread is a traditional Palestinian flatbread, but if unavailable, other flatbreads like naan or pita can be substituted.
Adjust the amount of sumac to suit your taste preference. Some like it tangy, while others prefer a milder flavor.