Musakhan (Arabic: مسخّن, lit. 'something that is heated'), also known as muhammar (Arabic: محمر, lit. 'reddish'), is a Palestinian dish composed of roasted chicken baked with onions, sumac, allspice, saffron, and fried pine nuts served over taboon bread. Originating in the Tulkarm and Jenin area, musakhan is often considered the national dish of Palestine. The dish is particularly popular among Palestinians, Israeli Arabs and Jordanians. It is also eaten by Arabs and Druze in Galilee, especially around Iksal and Sandala, and in the Triangle. The dish can be found in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan as well. Musakhan means "reheated" in Arabic, and is called this as the dish was a way for Palestinian farmers to reheat old taboon bread and make it taste better.

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.

World records

On April 20, 2010, the largest ever dish of musakhan was prepared in Ramallah, Palestine 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.

Gallery

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  Traditional musakhan eaten in Azzun
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  Jordanian musakhan
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  Musakhan rolls (as a more contemporary variation)

See also

• Palestinian cuisine
• List of chicken dishes