Musakhan

History

The exact origin of the dish is unclear, references to it are found in Palestinian folk songs from the 19th-century.

Some sources state that the dish was created by mistake, where in communal ovens that were dug into the ground, ingredients like chicken and bread were frequently placed next to one another to cook simultaneously, and eventually came to be placed on top of one another.

Different versions of the dish have existed for 150 years.

Preparation

Musakhan is simple to make and the ingredients needed are easily obtainable, which may account for the dish's popularity. Many of the ingredients used—olive oil, sumac and pine nuts—are staples of Palestinian cuisine. The dish is typically eaten with one's hands. It is usually presented with the chicken on top of the bread, and could be served with soup.

Some contemporary versions will shape the dish into rolls rather than the traditional layered setup, with thin saj bread instead of the much thicker taboon bread, other contemporary versions make it into a fatteh.

World records

On April 20, 2010, the largest ever dish of musakhan was prepared in Ramallah and was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records. Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayad described it as a great achievement and honor for the Palestinian people: "This great achievement completely depended on Palestinian products, mainly olive oil. It also has a cultural dimension and a Palestinian message to the world that they want their legitimate rights." The total diameter of the musakhan loaf was 4 meters, with a total weight of 1,350 kg. Forty Palestinian cooks made use of 250 kg of flour, 170 kg of olive oil, 500 kg of onions and 70 kg of almonds.

References

References

1. "Msakhan (Palestinian Flatbreads with Onion, Sumac, and Roast Chicken) Recipe".
2. Albala, Ken. "Food Cultures of the World Encyclopedia [4 volumes]: [Four Volumes]".
3. Ghillie Basan. (January 2007). "The Middle Eastern Kitchen". Hippocrene Books.
4. Trevor Mostyn. (1983). "Jordan: A Meed Practical Guide". Middle East Economic Digest Limited.
5. Haaretz. (10 November 2014). "After Death Threats, Palestinian Food-serving U.S. Restaurant Closes". Haaretz.
6. Kassis, Reem. (2023). "We Are Palestinian: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition". [[Bonnier Books Ltd]].
7. (15 Apr 2023). "المسخّن أكلة تراثية فلسطينية تتصدر المائدة الرمضانية". Al-Jazeera.
8. "Msakhan (Palestinian Flatbreads With Onion, Sumac, and Roast Chicken) Recipe".
9. (30 January 2018). "The Musakhan Queens of Ramallah".
10. "Chicken Musakhan".
11. (16 Jan 2024). "'Every dish on our menu is a memory made real': Dubai-based food author crafts unique culinary experience". Khaleej Times.
12. (23 June 2023). "This Palestinian fatteh of bread, chicken and yogurt honors tradition". The Washington Post.
13. (3 May 2020). "فتة المسخن من ألذ الاطباق على سفرة رمضان بالفيديو". [[Al Gomhuria]].
14. Amjad Rafiq. (2010-04-10). "Palestinian 'musakhan' to enter Guinness record book".
15. (2010-04-20). "Palestinian largest "Musakhan "enters the world Guinness book".
16. (20 April 2010). "Palestinian 'Musakhan' enters Guinness records". Al Arabiya English.