Al Kabsa, the traditional and iconic rice and meat dish of Saudi Arabia, is a delectable culinary treasure that embodies the country's rich cultural heritage. This flavorful dish is characterized by its aromatic blend of spices, succulent meat, and fluffy rice, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. Al Kabsa is a cornerstone of Saudi cuisine, often served at special occasions and gatherings, bringing people together to celebrate and share the joy of a delicious meal.
There are various recipes for Al Kabsa, each with its unique variations and regional influences. Some popular recipes include:
1. **Classic Al Kabsa:** This traditional version features tender pieces of chicken or lamb slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce, infused with a melange of aromatic spices like cardamom, cumin, and saffron. The succulent meat is paired with fluffy rice, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
2. **Seafood Al Kabsa:** This coastal variation of Al Kabsa showcases the bounty of the sea. Shrimp, fish, and calamari are combined in a flavorful broth, infused with herbs and spices, and cooked together with rice. The result is a vibrant dish that captures the essence of Saudi Arabia's coastal cuisine.
3. **Vegetarian Al Kabsa:** This meatless rendition of Al Kabsa caters to vegetarians and vegans. A medley of colorful vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, are sautéed and combined with aromatic spices and rice. The result is a flavorful and wholesome dish that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
4. **Al Kabsa with Dried Fruits:** This indulgent version of Al Kabsa incorporates the sweetness and richness of dried fruits. Apricots, raisins, and dates are added to the rice, creating a delightful interplay of flavors and textures. This variation is often served at special occasions and celebrations, adding a touch of grandeur to the meal.
5. **Al Kabsa with Nuts:** This nutty twist on Al Kabsa adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor to the dish. Almonds, pistachios, and pine nuts are toasted and sprinkled over the rice, creating a visually appealing and flavorful experience. This variation is a favorite among those who appreciate the combination of sweet and savory flavors.
AL KABSA - TRADITIONAL SAUDI RICE (& MEAT) DISH
This is my meat (lamb) version of Al Kabsa / Kabsah. Kabsa is one of the most famous of all the traditional Saudi dishes & is actually easy to make! See my other recipes for the chicken version.......
Provided by Um Safia
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 3h20m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 27
Steps:
- Fry meat until browned on all sides. Add enough water to the pot so that it covers the meat by 1.5"-2", bring to a boil then cook gently over medium heat for 1 1/2 - 2 hours or until tender. Reserve stock & set meat aside.
- Soak rice for 15 minutes. Drain, rise under running water then drain well.
- Add butter to a large stock pot or casserole, fry the onion, pepper, carrot & spices. Cook on low heat for about 10 minutes, or until tender.
- Add rice to vegetables in the pot, cook for 5 minutes on medium heat. Add meat stock until stock covers rice (approx 1.5" above rice). Cover pot. Cook on low heat for 30 minutes or until tender - add a little more stock or water if rice seems to become dry.
- Sauce:.
- Fry onion, garlic and tomato in the butter. Add tomato paste, celery, salt, cinnamon, water & stock cube. Cook on medium heat until slightly thickened and celery is tender.
- Serve in a large dish or on a platter. Place the rice first, top with meat & garnish with pine nuts. Serve the sauce in a jug with a spoon. Saudies enjoy kabsa with a hot sauce called 'shattah' -- .
Nutrition Facts : Calories 793.4, Fat 32.1, SaturatedFat 12.4, Cholesterol 138.1, Sodium 243.3, Carbohydrate 81.7, Fiber 7.9, Sugar 12.2, Protein 44.6
AL KABSA - TRADITIONAL SAUDI RICE (& CHICKEN) DISH
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
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:
- Choose the right rice: Al Kabsa is traditionally made with long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine rice. These types of rice cook up light and fluffy, and they hold their shape well when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Use high-quality meat: The meat is one of the main ingredients in Al Kabsa, so it's important to use high-quality meat. Look for meat that is fresh and free of any blemishes.
- Season the meat well: The meat should be seasoned well before it is cooked. This will help to infuse the meat with flavor.
- Cook the rice and meat separately: The rice and meat are cooked separately in Al Kabsa. This helps to ensure that the rice cooks evenly and that the meat does not overcook.
- Use a variety of vegetables: Al Kabsa is typically made with a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. These vegetables add flavor, color, and nutrition to the dish.
- Serve the dish hot: Al Kabsa is best served hot. This will help to keep the rice and meat moist and flavorful.
Conclusion:
Al Kabsa is a delicious and flavorful Saudi rice dish that is perfect for special occasions. It is made with high-quality meat, long-grain rice, and a variety of vegetables. The dish is cooked in a traditional pot called a kabsa, which helps to infuse the rice and meat with flavor. Al Kabsa is typically served hot with a variety of side dishes, such as yogurt, salad, and bread.
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