Al-Maghash (Traditional Dish)
Al-Maghash is a traditional dish in Jazan region, south of Saudi Arabia. The preparation of Al-Maghash can be traced back to other Saudi regions, such as Najran and Aseer. Generally speaking, Najran and Jazan share the culinary culture of preparing Al-Maghash – with some minor differences in seasoning and vegetable varieties.
Al-Maghash in Saudi Culture
Alongside the edible dish, Al-Maghash also refers to the pottery or stoneware in which the meal is prepared and served. Meat Maghash is one of the most traditional dishes in Jazan region in terms of the dish’s final coordination. Specific crockery is used to present each serving item; for example, the hollow stone receptacle in which soup or gravy is poured is commonly referred to as "Bormah." Cooked meat and vegetables, however, are served in a earthenware or stoneware known as "Al-Maghash."
Al-Maghash can be classified as a winter dish because of its range of high-calorie ingredients that warm and energize the body. Al-Maghash is often served with other side dishes, such as white rice, fermented bread or regular bread.
How to Prepare Al-Maghash
Preparing Al-Maghash depends on the quality of the vegetables used such as okra, potatoes and onions, along with the quality and maturity of mutton used. Al-Maghash takes about one and a half hours to cook and is served mixed with spices, in insulative plates placed below the steamy bowl to protect the table from overheating.
Unlike some other traditional dishes in Saudi Arabia, Al-Maghash is not complicated to prepare and does not require many tools. A pressure cooker can be used for speedy cooking of added meat and vegetables. However, in general, heritage lovers tend to adhere to the pattern of preparing folk food using traditional utensils.
Ingredients of Al-Maghash dish
Al-Maghash is prepared using several ingredients, which include: lamb meat, onion, garlic, black pepper, green pepper, cumin, cardamom, salt, turmeric, cinnamon sticks, and water.
Al-Maghash at events and public occasions
Al-Maghash is an upgraded recipe of related dishes such as “Al-Mathluthah” and Al-Haneeth (roasted mutton), all of which consist of almost the same ingredients but with variations in how the meat is chopped and cooking duration. Al-Maghash is omnipresent in national festivals across the board, especially heritage events like the "Janadriyah" festival.