Marak Oof (Levantine Chicken Stock)

A clear chicken stock simmered with onion, celery, bay leaf, and warm spices such as allspice and cinnamon stick, forming the base for a wide range of Levantine soups and rice dishes.

Flavor Profile

Clean and savory with a warm background spice note distinguishing it from plainer Western chicken stocks.

Culinary Uses

Base for soups, rice pilafs (riz bi shaireya), and braises; poaching liquid for chicken destined for other preparations.

Regional Variations

Some households add a whole onion studded with cloves; the spice mix varies by family, with cardamom sometimes included.

Storage

Refrigerate 4–5 days; freezes well for a couple of months.