Musakhan

Musakhan is a cherished traditional dish in Palestinian cuisine, featuring roasted chicken cooked with onions, sumac, allspice, saffron, and fried pine nuts, all served over taboon bread. Also known as muhammar, Musakhan is celebrated as Palestine's national dish. Originating in the Tulkarm and Jenin areas, it has since gained widespread popularity across various regions, including the Arab Triangle, and the villages near Iksal and Sandala. It is also enjoyed by Israeli Druze and Israeli Arabs in northern Israel.

The ingredients for Musakhan are readily available, contributing to its widespread appeal. Staples like olive oil, sumac, and pine nuts are common in Palestinian cooking. The dish is a favorite in the Levant region, particularly among Palestinians, Israeli Arabs, and Jordanians. Musakhan is traditionally eaten with the hands, with the chicken served atop the bread, and is often accompanied by soup. The name "musakhan" translates to "something that is heated" aptly describing this warm, comforting dish.

Nutritionally, a serving of Musakhan (about 300g) contains approximately 391 calories. It includes 33g of total fat, 7g of saturated fat, 92mg of cholesterol, 0g of carbohydrates, and 23g of protein.

In 2010, Ramallah, Palestine, made headlines by preparing a record-breaking Musakhan dish, which earned a place in the Guinness World Records. This colossal dish had a diameter of 4 meters and weighed 1,350 kg. Made using Palestinian ingredients like olive oil, it became a celebrated cultural milestone, symbolizing Palestinian resilience and heritage for the world to witness.