Authentic Mandi Recipe: Yemeni Smoked Lamb & Rice (Oven Method)

Nov 30, 2025 Arabic Recipes

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• • Prep Time
  • 30 mins
• • Cook Time
  • 2 hr 30 mins
• • Total Time
  • 3 hr
• • Servings
  • 8 people
• • Skill Level
  • Intermediate
• • Cuisine Type
  • Yemeni

Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 850 kcal

Protein: 55 g

Fat: 35 g

Carbohydrates: 95 g

Authentic Mandi Recipe: Oven and Hadrami Smoking Technique

Mandi is the premier hospitality dish in Yemeni (especially Hadramawt) and Gulf cuisine. It is not just meat and rice; it is a cooking technique that elevates a dish from the ground (the traditional underground oven or 'mandi pit') to the table. Mandi is characterized by meat that is cooked indirectly by steam, making it "falling-off-the-bone tender," while the rice absorbs all the meat's juices and rich, oily broth. The secret to its flavor lies in the simplicity of the seasoning and the effectiveness of the smoking process.

Essential Mandi Ingredients (Components and Flavors)

The Essential Components of Mandi Dish rely on a refined blend of Meat (lamb or chicken) and Basmati rice. The secret to the flavor lies in the Hadhrami Ointment (Al-Marham Al-Hadhrami), a rich mixture of saffron, turmeric, and coarse salt used to season the meat. The rice is distinguished by the flavors of Whole Spices (Al-Mutayibāt Al-Kāmila) such as black dried lime (loomi), cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and cloves, in addition to the distinct aroma of Smoke (Al-Tabkheer) imparted by charcoal, which lends Mandi its authentic character.

A. Meat and Rice

• Lamb or Chicken: 1.5 - 2 kg (Shoulder or leg of lamb is preferred, or a whole chicken cut into pieces. Make small cuts to ensure flavor penetration.)
• Long-grain Basmati Rice: 4 cups (Wash and soak in warm water for 30 minutes, then drain to ensure fluffy rice.)
• Water or Chicken Broth: 4.5 - 5 cups (The primary liquid for steaming the rice.)

B. The Meat Marinade (Hadrami Paste)

• Saffron: A generous pinch (Soaked in 1 tbsp of rose water or hot water to enhance color.)
• Ground Turmeric: 1 teaspoon (For the reddish-golden color.)
• Olive or Vegetable Oil: 3 tablespoons.
• Coarse Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• (Secret Ingredient): A smear of red saffron coloring (Optional, to give the meat a strong orange color after broiling.)

C. Rice Spices (Whole Aromatics)

• Dried Black Limes (Loomi): 2-3 pieces.
• Cinnamon Sticks: 2 sticks.
• Cardamom Pods and Cloves: 6 of each.
• Bay Leaves: 3 leaves.
• Onion and Garlic: 1 large onion, sliced, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic.

Step-by-Step Preparation (Oven Cooking Technique)

Phase One: Marinating and Pre-Preparation

1. Prepare the Meat: Wash and dry the meat (make simple cuts). Mix the marinade ingredients, and rub the paste completely and deeply into the meat (Ideally, leave it in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight).
2. Prepare the Rice Base: In a deep oven-safe pot, heat the oil/ghee. Add the onions and sauté until softened, then add the whole spices (Loomi, cardamom, cloves, etc.) and stir until fragrant (about one minute).
3. Add Rice and Liquid: Add the drained rice and salt, and stir gently. Pour in the hot broth (Measure the liquid precisely: it should be only 1 cm above the rice surface, as the meat will release juices).

Phase Two: Steaming and Indirect Cooking

4. Prepare the Separator (Rack): Cover the pot tightly with two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil (or use a metal oven rack).
5. Make the Holes: Pierce the top foil layer extensively using a skewer or fork (These holes allow steam to rise and meat juices/fat to drip directly onto the rice—the secret to the smoky flavor).
6. Arrange the Meat: Place the seasoned meat on top of the pierced foil layer.
7. Seal and Bake: Seal the pot completely (cover with an additional layer of foil).
8. Baking: Transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Cook the Mandi for 2.5 to 3 hours for lamb (or 1.5 hours for chicken), until the meat is very tender and falling off the bone.

Phase Three: Hadrami Smoking and Serving

9. Broil the Meat: Once cooked, remove the meat and brush it with saffron oil and turmeric. Broil under the oven broiler for 5–7 minutes to achieve an attractive color.
10. Smoking Technique (The Final Touch): Heat a small piece of natural charcoal until fully glowing. Create a small gap in the center of the rice and place a small metal bowl or a folded piece of foil inside it.
11. Place the glowing charcoal in the foil bowl. Drizzle 3 drops of hot oil or ghee directly onto the charcoal (to generate dense smoke).
12. Cover the pot immediately and tightly for at least 7 minutes to infuse the smoke.
13. Serving: Scoop the smoky, fluffy rice onto a large platter. Arrange the broiled meat pieces on top.
14. Accompaniments: Garnish with fried almonds, pine nuts, and raisins. Serve with a side of Daqoos (Yemeni Hot Sauce) or yogurt salad.