Qatari Fish Machboos

1Preparation

1. Rub the fish steaks with the turmeric and salt and leave for 20 minutes.
2. Rinse the rice, soak for 30 minutes and drain.

2Cooking

1. Fry the fish in two tablespoons of oil for 3 minutes per side until browned, then remove it.

   🔥 high heat⏱ 6 min timer
2. Brown the onion in the remaining oil for 8 minutes, add the garlic, tomatoes, paste and spices and cook 8 minutes.

   🔥 medium heat⏱ 16 min timer
3. Add the dried limes, cinnamon, cardamom, green chilies, water and salt, and boil for 5 minutes.

   🔥 high heat⏱ 5 min timer
4. Add the rice, cover and cook for 15 minutes on low.

   🔥 low heat⏱ 15 min timer
5. Place the fish on top of the rice, cover and steam for 5 minutes.

   🔥 low heat⏱ 5 min timer

3Serving

1. Serve the machboos on a tray with the fish on top and coriander, with hot sauce or salad alongside.

💡 Tips & common mistakes

• Only fry the fish briefly before the rice; cooking it long in the broth makes it fall apart (the common mistake).
• Use a firm fish such as kingfish or grouper.

🔁 Substitutions

• Instead of kingfish, use any firm white fish.