Wasfetna

Qidra

Qidra rice with garlic, cooked chickpeas, seasoned chicken and its broth.

Qidra — Chicken
Cooking time
1 hr 37 min
Hands-on time
15 min
Free time
40 min
Difficulty
Medium
Cuisine
Levantine
Contains
Dairy

Before you start

  • For this versionMeasure the chickpeas after cooking and draining. Rinse and soak the rice for 20 minutes while the chicken simmers, then drain.

Ingredients

5people

Amounts follow the number of people

For the qidra

When doubling the quantity, use a wider container, and gradually increase the salt and seasoning after tasting.

Shopping list

Equipment

  • Heavy pot with a tight lid — Holds the steam and cooks the rice evenly without sticking.
  • Strainer — The stock is strained and exactly five cups measured out.
  • Wide tray — The pot is turned onto it after resting, covered.
  • Food thermometer

Method

  1. Simmer the chicken in enough water to cover until it reaches 74°C, skimming as needed. Use precooked chickpeas; do not cook dried chickpeas with the chicken.

    40 minYou can walk away
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The thickest part reaches 74°C. Timing is a guide; continue cooking if needed.

  2. Strain the broth and measure out five cups of it and keep it hot.

    5 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The broth is clear and hot.

  3. Brown the cooked chicken skin in a little ghee and lift out. Toast the drained rice with the remaining ghee, spices and garlic in the pot, then add the cooked chickpeas, chicken and strained stock.

    10 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The rice glistens, the chickpeas are tender and the stock simmers.

  4. After adding the stock in the previous step, add the saffron, cover and cook over very low heat for about 30 minutes until the rice is tender.

    30 minYou can walk away
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The rice is tender and the stock absorbed.

  5. Leave the pot to rest, covered, then turn it over onto a wide tray.

    12 minYou can walk away
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The rice is firm and the chicken is on top.

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