Al Machboos (also called Machbus or Majboos) is a fragrant Emirati rice dish made with chicken or lamb, aromatic spices, dried limes (loomi), and slow-cooked broth. It’s one of the UAE’s most beloved traditional foods, known for its deep flavor and comforting warmth.

Ingredients for Al Machboos (UAE)

For the Chicken & Broth

• 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) or 1 kg lamb

• 2 tbsp oil or ghee

• 2 onions, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 2–3 loomi (dried black limes)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 3–4 cloves

• 3 cardamom pods

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp coriander

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 3 cups water or broth

For the Rice

• 2 cups basmati rice (rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes)

• 1 tbsp ghee or oil

• Saffron threads soaked in 2 tbsp warm water (optional)

How to Make Al Machboos (Step-by-Step)

1. Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat oil or ghee in a large pot.

• Add onions and cook until golden.

• Add garlic and tomato; cook until soft.

2. Add Chicken & Spices

• Add chicken pieces and brown them lightly.

• Stir in turmeric, cumin, coriander, and pepper.

• Add tomato paste and mix well.

3. Add Whole Spices & Loomi

• Add cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, bay leaf, and whole dried limes.

• Pour in water/broth and season with salt.

4. Simmer the Broth

• Cover and simmer for 35–40 minutes, until chicken is cooked and tender.

• Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.

5. Cook the Rice

• Add soaked basmati rice into the broth.

• Add saffron water if using.

• Place chicken back on top.

• Cover tightly and cook on low heat for 20 minutes until rice is fluffy.

6. Serve Hot

Gently fluff the rice and serve with chicken on top.
Best enjoyed with Emirati salad and yogurt.

Tips for Authentic Emirati Flavor

• Loomi (dried limes) is the key flavor — don’t skip it!

• Use ghee for a richer, more traditional taste.

• Add raisins or fried nuts for a festive version.