Maftool (Palestinian Wheat Pearls in a Vegetable, Chickpea, and Chicken Stew)

Name: Maftool (Palestinian Wheat Pearls in a Vegetable, Chickpea, and Chicken Stew)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: For the Spiced Chicken Stock:; 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (about 2 1/4 pounds; 1kg), either 4 breasts, 4 legs, or a combination; 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium (8-ounce; 226g) yellow onion, diced; 1 tablespoon (9g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt use half as much by volume or the same weight; 2 teaspoons ground caraway; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon tomato paste (optional); 1 bay leaf; For the Butternut Squash Broth:; 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium (8-ounce; 226g) yellow onion, sliced 1/4 inch thick; 1/2 medium (2 1/2–pound; 1kg) butternut squash, peeled and diced into roughly 1-inch pieces; 1 quart (1L) Spiced Chicken Stock, from above; One 15-ounce (425g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; For the Maftool:; 1 tablespoon (15ml) extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter; 1 pound (453g) maftool (see note); 2 1/4 cups (532ml) Spiced Chicken Stock, from above; For the Chicken:; 1 tablespoon (15ml) extra-virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon (5ml) tomato paste; 1 tablespoon (15g) Greek yogurt; Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Prep Time

30m

Cook Time

Total Time

2h 30m

This Palestinian dish features maftool, a type of wheat pearl, cooked in a hearty stew with vegetables, chickpeas, and spiced chicken. A comforting and flavorful meal, with layers of aromatic spices and tender, juicy chicken pieces, perfect for a cozy evening at home.