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Mahmudiye (Chicken and Apricot Stew)

Mahmudiye is a luxurious Ottoman dish that combines tender chicken thighs, dried apricots, currants, honey, and aromatic spices, slow-cooked to perfection. Finished with a rich stock reduction sauce and served over a bed of rice, it captures the sweet and savory balance that defines Ottoman palace cuisine. This recipe is a modern adaptation of a dish served to sultans, offering a taste of history with every bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours

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IngredientsMethodVideoNotes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 shallots finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots sliced
  • 1/4 cup currants
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter for the reduction sauce
  • 1 cup toasted almonds for topping
  • Cooked rice for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients:

  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Assemble in the Slow Cooker:

  1. Place the chopped shallots, dried apricots, and currants in the bottom of a slow cooker. Lay the seared chicken thighs on top. Add the chicken stock, lemon juice, honey, and ground cloves.

Cook Low and Slow:

  1. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and infused with the flavors of the broth and fruits.

Make the Stock Reduction Sauce:

  1. Once the chicken is cooked, strain 1 cup of the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. Over medium heat, simmer until reduced by half. Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter for a rich, glossy sauce.

Serve:

  1. Place a bed of cooked rice on a plate. Arrange the chicken thighs on top, along with the apricots and currants. Add toasted almonds. Drizzle with the stock reduction sauce for a luxurious finish.

Video

Notes

  • Sweetness Balance: Adjust the honey to your taste for a sweeter or more subtle flavor. A small drizzle at the end can also enhance the dish's presentation and flavor profile.
 
  • Optional Toasted Almonds: Garnish the dish with toasted almonds for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the fruity and savory elements.
 
  • Stock Choice: For a deeper flavor, use homemade chicken stock or one enriched with a splash of white wine or additional spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg.