Best 3 Al Kabsa Ancient Arabian Chicken And Fragrant Rice Recipes

# Al Kabsa: A Culinary Journey Through Ancient Arabia

Al Kabsa, a majestic dish originating from the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, is a symphony of flavors and aromas that has captivated taste buds for centuries. This iconic dish holds a special place in Arabian cuisine, often gracing special occasions and gatherings, where it brings people together to share in a feast of culinary delight.

Al Kabsa's versatility shines through in its variations across different regions, each boasting its own unique blend of spices and ingredients. The traditional Saudi Arabian Al Kabsa, the star of this article, features tender chicken or lamb slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, complemented by aromatic basmati rice infused with a medley of spices, nuts, and raisins.

Beyond the classic chicken and lamb versions, this article presents a tantalizing array of Al Kabsa recipes that cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. From the vibrant vegetarian Al Kabsa, bursting with colorful vegetables and a rich tomato broth, to the tantalizing seafood Al Kabsa, where succulent shrimp, calamari, and fish dance in a savory seafood-infused sauce, there's a recipe for every palate to savor.

For those seeking a taste of authentic Arabian flavors, the traditional Saudi Arabian Al Kabsa recipe provides a detailed guide to crafting this culinary masterpiece. However, if time is of the essence, the simplified Al Kabsa recipe offers a streamlined approach, allowing you to relish the same delectable flavors with less effort.

For those with a penchant for seafood, the seafood Al Kabsa recipe beckons with its enticing blend of briny seafood and fragrant spices. And for those who thrive on a plant-based diet, the vegetarian Al Kabsa recipe promises a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.

With its rich history, captivating flavors, and ability to bring people together, Al Kabsa stands as a true testament to the culinary artistry of the Arabian Peninsula. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this article provides a comprehensive guide to mastering this iconic dish and embarking on a culinary journey through ancient Arabia.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHICKEN KABSA RECIPE

Chicken Kabsa Recipe image

Kabsa is widely recognized as the national dish of Saudi Arabia, but is eaten across the Middle East.

Provided by Chef Tariq

Categories Chicken

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 23

Ingredients

6 Chicken Thighs/Legs
2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
2 Cloves (whole)
⅛ tsp Nutmeg
⅛ tsp Cumin
⅛ tsp Coriander
½ tsp Saffron
¼ tsp Cardamom
½ tsp Cinnamon
½ tsp Allspice
¼ tsp White Pepper
½ tsp Dried Lime Powder
2½ tsp Salt
¼ cup Butter
1 Onion (diced)
6 Garlic Cloves (minced)
¼ cup Tomato Paste
1 can Diced Tomatoes
2½ cups Basmati Rice
5 cups Chicken Broth
¼ cup Raisins
¼ cup Slivered Almonds
Pinch Black Pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
Place chicken pieces in a bowl, using your hands rub chicken with vegetable oil until well covered. Place on a try and bake for 30 minutes.
Mix all spices and salt in a small bowl.
Rinse the rice in a sieve with running water until water runs clear.
Meanwhile melt butter in a pan, saute onions, and garlic until translucent and soft. Add diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Create sauce.
Add the chicken and stir until well coated with the tomato sauce.
Add rice and spices. Mix well.
Add chicken broth, and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover loosely, leaving a gap for steam to escape.
Cook for roughly 20 minutes until you have cooked the rice.
Toast slivered almonds in a pan over medium high heat until browned.
Spoon rice onto a serving dish placing the chicken pieces on top. Sprinkle with browned almonds, raisins, and a pinch of black pepper.
Add more salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 724 kcal, Carbohydrate 77 g, Protein 27 g, Fat 34 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Cholesterol 131 mg, Sodium 2032 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving

AL KABSA - TRADITIONAL SAUDI RICE AND CHICKEN

Al Kabsa - Traditional Saudi Rice and Chicken image

This was the first Arabic dish I ever made and it turned out extremely delicious, a new favorite! Serve Al Kabsa with a fresh mixed cucumber, carrot, lettuce, and tomato salad -- preferably with a little lime vinaigrette. Some fresh pita bread on the side would be nice also. Saudis like their Kabsa with a hot sauce called 'Shattah'. Enjoy!

Provided by EmiratiWife2010

Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Chicken

Time 2h10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 23

Ingredients

½ teaspoon saffron
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
½ teaspoon dried whole lime powder
¼ cup butter
1 onion, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
¼ cup tomato puree
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
3 carrots, peeled and grated
2 whole cloves
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 pinch ground cumin
1 pinch ground coriander
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 ¼ cups hot water
1 cube chicken bouillon
2 ¼ cups unrinsed basmati rice
¼ cup raisins
¼ cup toasted slivered almonds

Steps:

Mix together the saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, allspice, white pepper, and lime powder in a small bowl, and set the spice mix aside.
Melt the butter in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and brown them over medium-high heat until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Mix in the tomato puree.
Stir in the canned tomatoes with their juice, the grated carrots, whole cloves, nutmeg, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and the Kabsa spice mix. Cook for about 3 minutes; pour in the water, and add the chicken bouillon cube.
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer and cover the pot. Simmer until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 30 minutes.
Gently stir in the rice. Cover the pot and simmer until rice is tender and almost dry, about 25 minutes; add the raisins and a little more hot water, if necessary. Cover and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the rice grains are separate.
Transfer the rice to a large serving platter and arrange the chicken pieces on top. Sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds over the dish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 528.2 calories, Carbohydrate 54.9 g, Cholesterol 88 mg, Fat 21.2 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 29.2 g, SaturatedFat 7.6 g, Sodium 422.7 mg, Sugar 7.3 g

AL KABSA - TRADITIONAL SAUDI RICE (& CHICKEN) DISH

Al Kabsa - Traditional Saudi Rice (& Chicken) Dish image

Al Khabsa / Khabsa is very traditional. It can be made with many variations - this is just one of them - I hope to post more! Use chicken for this recipe, my others have lamb instead.....I have revised the recipe as of 09/02/09, although when I cook it the amounts are correct - perhaps it's the rice I use?

Provided by Um Safia

Categories One Dish Meal

Time 1h40m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 23

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter
3 lbs chicken, cut into 8-10 pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup tomato puree
14 ounces canned chopped tomatoes, un-drained (or fresh)
3 medium carrots, grated
2 whole cloves
1 pinch grated nutmeg
1 pinch ground cumin
1 pinch ground coriander
salt & freshly ground black pepper
4 cups hot water
1 chicken stock cube
2 1/4 cups basmati rice (don't rinse or soak this)
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 teaspoon saffron
1/4 teaspoon ground green cardamoms
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground dried limes

Steps:

Melt butter in a large stock pot, casserole or dutch oven. Add chicken pieces, onion & garlic & sauté until onion is tender. Stir in tomato puree & simmer over a low heat for a couple of minutes.
Add tomatoes, carrots, cloves, all the spices & salt and pepper. Cook for a couple of minutes. Add the water & Maggi cube.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Add rice to the pot & stir carefully. (if you're wanting to brown the chicken in the oven - remove it from the pot now & place in the preheated oven).
Re-Cover & simmer for 35 - 40 minutes - adding the raisins for the last 10 minutes - or until rice is tender.
Place the rice on a large serving dish, topped with the chicken & garnished with almonds. Serve with a fresh mixed salad - preferably with a little lime vinaigrette. Saudis like their Kabsa with a hot sauce called 'Shattah'.
N.B: You can also 'finish' the chicken pieces off in the oven by cooking them for 25 - 30 minutes at 180 C whilst the rice is cooking. (but don't let them become dry).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 678.5, Fat 34.9, SaturatedFat 11.5, Cholesterol 142.9, Sodium 344.5, Carbohydrate 52.6, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 6.9, Protein 38

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the final dish. Use fresh, flavorful chicken and fragrant rice. Look for spices that are vibrant in color and smell.
Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in a flavorful mixture of spices and yogurt helps tenderize it and infuses it with flavor. Don't skip this step!
Cook the rice separately: Cooking the rice separately from the chicken ensures that it doesn't get overcooked or mushy. It also allows you to control the amount of liquid in the dish.
Layer the ingredients: Layering the ingredients in the pot creates a beautiful and flavorful dish. Start with the rice at the bottom, then add the chicken, vegetables, and nuts.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot: A heavy-bottomed pot will distribute heat evenly and prevent the dish from burning.
Let the dish rest: After cooking, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb the juices from the chicken and vegetables.

Conclusion:

Al Kabsa is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions. With its fragrant rice, tender chicken, and aromatic spices, it is sure to impress your guests. Follow these tips to make the best Al Kabsa possible!