Al-Faham Chicken

Initial Preparation:

1. Clean the chicken both inside and outside, wash thoroughly and pat dry the chicken with a kitchen tissue paper and set aside.
2. Dry roast the whole spices(except the powders) mentioned in 'For Arabic Al-faham Masala' until fragrant, for about 2-3 minutes on low-medium heat.
3. Once cooled, grind to a fine powder and set aside.
4. Blend the ingredients (except Lemon juice) mentioned in 'For Masala Paste' into a fine paste. Set aside.

Cutting the chicken for Al-Faham( Refer Video):

1. Be ready with a pointed sharp knife.
2. Remove the excess skin/fat from the bottom cavity part.
3. Remove the tip portion of the wings.
4. Gently twist the thigh part forward and backward to dislocate the thigh bone from spine.
5. Cut the chicken lengthwise into two pieces and remove the back bone.
6. Take one half of the chicken, cut through the center of the drumstick, by leaving the bottom half inch uncut.
7. Then cut besides the bone to detach the meat from the bone and make it wide open.
8. Then cut the wing joint halfway and the cut into the opposite direction to open up the breast piece half-way.
9. Then make deep incisions all over the chicken pieces. Continue the same with the other portion.

Marination & Grilling Preparation:

1. In a large dish, add in the prepared masala paste, 2 tablespoons of arabic masala powder, turmeric powder, nutmeg powder, lemon juice, enough salt.
2. Mix well and make a thick paste.
3. Rub this marinade onto the chicken pieces and refrigerate overnight or at-least 4-5 hours.
4. Take out the chicken from the refrigerator at least 1 hour before cooking.
5. Then place the chicken into a grill basket, and lock the basket properly.

Grilling in a Charcoal Grill:

1. Let the charcoal burn until they're covered with white-gray ash.
2. Position the grill rack 5 inches from the coals.
3. Place the grill basket over the grill rack.
4. Now grill the chicken with the vents open, covered, turning 3-4 times to both sides, for about 30 to 45 minutes or until the juices run clear.

Baking in an oven:

1. Pre-heat oven to 500°F.
2. Place the marinated chicken in a baking tray, and bake for 10-15 minutes.
3. Then take out the tray carefully and turn the chicken to the other side, return to oven and bake again for 10-15 mins until the juices run clear.
4. After baking, change the oven setting to HIGH broil.
5. Broil for about 2 minutes on each side.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve hot with Khuboos(Pita bread), mayonnaise, cucumber wedges and lettuce leaves on side.