**Kabsa: A Journey Through Saudi Arabia's Culinary Heritage**
Kabsa, the quintessential dish of Saudi Arabia, is a symphony of flavors that captures the essence of the country's rich culinary heritage. This delectable dish, often served on special occasions and gatherings, is a majestic fusion of aromatic rice, succulent chicken or lamb, and a medley of spices that tantalize the taste buds. The distinct aroma of Kabsa, a harmonious blend of cardamom, saffron, and cloves, fills the air, beckoning diners to partake in this flavorful feast.
This article presents a collection of Kabsa recipes that explore the diverse culinary traditions of Saudi Arabia. From the classic Kabsa with chicken or lamb to variations that showcase seafood and vegetables, each recipe offers a unique taste experience. The recipes are carefully curated to provide a comprehensive guide for home cooks, ensuring that they can recreate this cherished dish in their own kitchens.
**Recipes Included:**
1. **Traditional Kabsa with Chicken:** This recipe embodies the authentic flavors of Saudi Kabsa, featuring tender chicken marinated in a blend of spices and cooked with aromatic rice, vegetables, and nuts.
2. **Kabsa with Lamb:** A variation that highlights the rich taste of lamb, slow-cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender and combined with fragrant rice, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
3. **Seafood Kabsa:** A delightful twist on the classic Kabsa, incorporating a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, mussels, and calamari, simmered in a flavorful broth and served over fluffy rice.
4. **Vegetable Kabsa:** A vegetarian-friendly rendition of Kabsa, showcasing a vibrant array of vegetables, including carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, cooked with aromatic rice and a medley of spices.
5. **Quick and Easy Kabsa:** A simplified version of Kabsa, perfect for busy weeknights, utilizing pre-cooked rice and a simplified spice blend to create a delicious and convenient meal.
These Kabsa recipes are a testament to the culinary diversity of Saudi Arabia, offering a range of flavors and ingredients that cater to various tastes and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, these recipes will guide you in creating an unforgettable Kabsa experience that will transport you to the heart of Saudi Arabia's culinary heritage.
AL KABSA - TRADITIONAL SAUDI RICE AND CHICKEN
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
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
CHICKEN KABSA RECIPE
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
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
KABSA (SAUDI RICE & CHICKEN)
I had the privilege of experiencing this dish in 1979 when my Saudi neighbors invited me over for dinner. They had a spread of their native foods on newspapers on their living room floor and ate the rice with their fingers. Not knowing the proper spelling of the dish made it nearly impossible to find a recipe on the internet...
Provided by Karen Petree
Categories Chicken
Time 1h45m
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- 1. 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.
- 2. Add tomatoes, carrots, cloves, all the spices & salt and pepper. Cook for a couple of minutes. Add the water & Maggi cube.
- 3. 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).
- 4. Re-Cover & simmer for 35 - 40 minutes - adding the raisins for the last 10 minutes - or until rice is tender.
- 5. 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'.
- 6. (You can also 'finish' the chicken pieces off in the oven by cooking them for 25 - 30 minutes at 350 degrees whilst the rice is cooking. (but don't let them become dry)
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
AL KABSA - ANCIENT ARABIAN CHICKEN AND FRAGRANT RICE
This classic Arabian dish is Saudi Arabian in origin, and is believed to originate from the nomadic Bedouin tribes centuries ago. Arabic cuisine has its roots in tent cookery. Nomadic tribes could use only transportable foods such as rice and dates, or their nomadic stock like sheep and camels in their recipes. As the caravans journeyed throughout the Middle East, new seasonings and vegetables were discovered and added to the existing repertoire. Each new discovery was incorporated into the diet in quantities palatable to a particular tribe - a fact that many cooks believe is responsible for the anomalies found in some Arabic dishes today. You can use lamb (or camel !!) in this dish, but it is more usual to make it with chicken nowadays. I have a recipe posted on Zaar for the Kabsa spice mix needed in this recipe. Recipe #290159
Provided by French Tart
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 40m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Slice the onion and garlic, cut the tomatoes in to wedges and chop the fresh coriander.
- Heat the oil in a casserole dish and add the onions, garlic - sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, then add chicken and cook for a further 5 minutes. Add the rice and sauté for about 3 minutes before adding the tomato, spices, salt and dried limes.
- Add water just enough to cover the rice mixture and bring to boil, turn the heat down and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in the sultanas and almonds, then leave for further 10 minutes with the lid on.
- Remove the lid, stir well and serve with the following sauce.
- Accompanying Sauce.
- Skin the tomatoes and mix all the ingredients together, season to taste.
- Serve the Kabsa with the tomato sauce and flatbreads.
- NB. If making up the Kabsa spice mixture fresh - grind all the spices together in a coffee grinder or a food processor/mixer, or with a pestle and mortar.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 861.4, Fat 36.4, SaturatedFat 9.1, Cholesterol 125, Sodium 704.3, Carbohydrate 91, Fiber 17.9, Sugar 5.2, Protein 45.8
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your kabsa will taste. Look for fresh, flavorful chicken, vegetables, and spices.
- Cook the rice separately: This will help to prevent the rice from becoming mushy. Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking, and cook it according to the package directions.
- Use a variety of spices: Kabsa is a flavorful dish that typically includes a variety of spices, such as cumin, cardamom, and saffron. Experiment with different spices to find a combination that you enjoy.
- Don't overcook the chicken: The chicken should be cooked through, but not dry. Overcooked chicken will be tough and chewy.
- Serve kabsa with a variety of sides: Kabsa is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as yogurt, tomato sauce, and salad.
Conclusion:
Kabsa is a delicious and flavorful Saudi Arabian dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. With its tender chicken, fluffy rice, and aromatic spices, kabsa is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give kabsa a try. You won't be disappointed.
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