طبخ مع حماتي طبخت الفاصوليا و الدجاج
طبخ مع حماتي 😉طبخت الفاصوليا 🫛 و الدجاج 🍗 is a medium Libyan recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by layla jawad channel on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 2 hrs 5 min | Total: 2 hrs 55 min
Cost: $19.63 total, $4.91 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Dried White Beans (soaked overnight, drained and rinsed)
- 500 g Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 400 g Tomato Puree (or crushed tomatoes)
- 4 units Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped, stems included)
- 2 tablespoons Ghee (Clarified Butter) (for sautéing)
- 200 g Small Pasta (Elbow or Ditalini) (uncooked)
- 2 cups Long Grain Rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (sweet or smoked, optional)
- ½ teaspoon Cumin Powder
Instructions
Soak the Beans
Place the dried white beans in a large bowl, cover with plenty of water and let soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
Time: PT10M
Prepare Aromatics
Finely mince the garlic and roughly chop the cilantro (including tender stems). Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Cook the Beans
In the large stockpot, add the soaked beans and fresh water (enough to cover by 2 inches). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, partially cover, and cook until beans are just tender, about 45 minutes.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: Medium simmer
Sauté Chicken
While beans are cooking, heat ghee in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin, and sauté until lightly browned, about 5 minutes per side.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Add Tomato Sauce
Stir the tomato puree into the skillet with the chicken, add the minced garlic, and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Combine Beans, Chicken, and Sauce
Transfer the sautéed chicken and tomato mixture into the pot with the partially cooked beans. Add the chopped cilantro, stir gently, and let the whole mixture simmer uncovered for 15 minutes so flavors meld.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Medium low
Cook Pasta
In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil, add the small pasta and cook al dente according to package directions (usually 8‑10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Boiling
Prepare Rice
Rinse the rice until water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rice with 2 cups water, a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: Medium
Finish the Stew
Add the cooked pasta to the bean‑chicken stew, stir gently, and if the consistency is too thick, incorporate a little reserved pasta water. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium low
Serve
Plate a generous portion of the stew alongside a mound of fluffy rice. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro if desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 80 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 12 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, High protein, Contains soy? No
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dried White Beans: Canned white beans (use 3 cups, drained)
- Instead of Chicken Thighs: Chicken breast, Turkey thigh
- Instead of Tomato Puree: Fresh ripe tomatoes, blended
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic paste (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Parsley
- Instead of Ghee (Clarified Butter): Olive oil, Unsalted butter
- Instead of Small Pasta (Elbow or Ditalini): Orzo, Small shells
- Instead of Long Grain Rice: Basmati rice, Brown rice
- Instead of Paprika: Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot
- Skillet or Frying Pan
- Wooden Spoon
- Colander
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Lid for Stockpot
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soaking the beans overnight to ensure they become tender.
- Browning the chicken pieces before adding tomato sauce.
- Simmering the combined stew long enough for flavors to meld.
- Cooking pasta al dente and adding it at the end to avoid over‑cooking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a splash of lemon juice just before serving for a bright finish.
- Use fresh cilantro stems; they hold flavor better than leaves alone.
- For extra richness, finish the stew with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil.
Troubleshooting
Beans remain hard after cooking.
Add more water, increase simmer time, and ensure beans were fully soaked. A pinch of baking soda can also soften beans.
Stew is too watery.
Uncover and simmer longer to reduce, or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Pasta becomes mushy.
Cook pasta al dente and add it at the very end; if overcooked, discard and start with fresh pasta.
Rice sticks to the pot.
Rinse rice thoroughly, use the correct water‑to‑rice ratio, and avoid stirring while it cooks.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store stew and rice in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the stew (without rice) in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soak and pre‑cook the beans a day ahead; store cooked beans in the fridge.
- Prepare the tomato‑garlic sauce and keep it refrigerated; combine with chicken and beans on the day of serving.
- Cook rice and pasta separately and reheat gently before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Mkabkaba in Libyan cuisine?
Mkabkaba is a traditional Libyan comfort dish that originated in coastal towns where beans, pasta, and tomato sauce were combined to create a hearty, inexpensive meal for families. It reflects the Mediterranean influence on Libyan cooking and is often served during family gatherings and Ramadan evenings.
What are the traditional regional variations of Mkabkaba in Libyan cuisine?
In Tripoli the stew may include chickpeas and a touch of harissa, while in Benghazi cooks often add carrots or potatoes. Some coastal versions replace pasta with small couscous pearls, and the spice blend can vary from mild paprika to a hotter chili mix.
How is Mkabkaba authentically served in Libya?
Authentically, Mkabkaba is ladled over a bed of plain white rice and eaten with a wooden spoon. It is commonly accompanied by a side of fresh salad (tomato, cucumber, and lemon) and a glass of mint tea.
On what occasions is Mkabkaba traditionally prepared in Libyan culture?
Mkabkaba is popular for everyday family meals but is especially prepared for Ramadan iftar, weekend family gatherings, and celebrations such as birthdays because it feeds many people with modest ingredients.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Mkabkaba versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional Mkabkaba uses dried white beans, chicken, tomato puree, garlic, cilantro, and ghee. Acceptable substitutes include canned beans, olive oil instead of ghee, and any small pasta shape. However, substituting the beans or omitting cilantro changes the classic flavor profile.
What other Libyan dishes pair well with Mkabkaba?
Mkabkaba pairs beautifully with a fresh Lebanese‑style fattoush salad, grilled lamb kebabs, or a simple side of sautéed green beans with garlic. A cup of sweet mint tea balances the savory stew.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mkabkaba?
Common mistakes include not soaking the beans long enough, over‑cooking the pasta so it disintegrates, and adding too much water which leaves the stew soupy. Also, failing to brown the chicken reduces depth of flavor.
Why does this Mkabkaba recipe use ghee instead of regular oil?
Ghee provides a nutty, rich flavor that is characteristic of many Libyan home‑cooked stews. It also has a higher smoke point than butter, allowing the chicken to brown without burning.
Can I make Mkabkaba ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the bean‑chicken stew a day ahead; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Cook rice fresh before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Mkabkaba?
The stew should be thick and glossy, with beans that are soft but whole, chicken pieces tender, and pasta coated in sauce. The broth should cling to the rice without being watery.
What does the YouTube channel Layla Jawad specialize in?
The YouTube channel Layla Jawad focuses on home‑style Middle Eastern and North African cooking, sharing family recipes, cultural stories, and practical tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Layla Jawad's approach to Libyan cooking differ from other Libyan cooking channels?
Layla Jawad emphasizes storytelling, cultural context, and improvisation, often showing how to adapt traditional dishes with ingredients found in any grocery store, whereas many other channels stick strictly to classic techniques without personal anecdotes.
Last updated: September 1, 2026








