Kabsa Recipe

Kabsa is a traditional and flavorful dish from Saudi Arabia, widely popular across the Arabian Peninsula. It's a fragrant mix of rice, meat (typically chicken, lamb, or beef), and a blend of spices. Here's a basic recipe for Chicken Kabsa:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

1. Whole Chicken: Cut into 4-6 pieces.
2. Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
3. Ginger: 1-inch piece, minced.
4. Lime Juice: From 1 lime.
5. Salt: To taste.

For the Rice:

1. Basmati Rice: 3 cups, washed and soaked in water for 20-30 minutes.
2. Onions: 2 medium, finely chopped.
3. Tomatoes: 2 large, chopped.
4. Carrots: 2, grated.
5. Raisins: A handful (optional).
6. Almonds: A handful, slivered (optional).

Spices:

1. Kabsa Spice Mix: 2 tablespoons (a blend of cumin, coriander, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg).
2. Bay Leaves: 2.
3. Whole Cloves: 5-6.
4. Cardamom Pods: 4-5, cracked.
5. Cinnamon Stick: 1.
6. Chicken Stock or Water: 4 1/2 cups.

For Garnish:

1. Fresh Cilantro: Chopped.
2. Lime Wedges.

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • Combine the chicken pieces with garlic, ginger, lime juice, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables and Spices:

   • In the same pot, add the onions and sauté until golden. Then add the tomatoes, carrots, raisins, almonds (if using), and all the spices. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant.

4. Cook the Rice:

   • Add the rice to the pot and stir well to coat with the spices. Add the chicken back to the pot. Pour in the chicken stock or water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

5. Serve:

   • Remove the bay leaves, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

6. Enjoy:

   • Serve the Kabsa hot, ideally with a side of yogurt or a simple salad.

Tips:

• The key to a good Kabsa is the spice mix. You can either buy a ready-made Kabsa spice mix or make your own.
• Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preference.
• For an authentic touch, garnish with fried onions or boiled eggs.

Enjoy your homemade Kabsa!