Authentic Saudi Kabsa with Broiled Chicken
Kabsa is a traditional and beloved dish from Saudi Arabia, celebrated for its intricate blend of spices and aromatic flavors. This one-pot meal features tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, spiced broth, combined with fragrant basmati rice that absorbs all the delicious flavors. Each bite is a taste of Middle Eastern culinary heritage, bringing together spices like cardamom, cumin, and coriander for a comforting dish that warms the soul. This recipe represents my family's unique style, with options to elevate your dish with garnishes such as hard-boiled eggs, pine nuts, and sweet raisins. Perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions, Kabsa is a meal that brings loved ones together around the table.
4
Servings
400
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole chicken
1 (cut into 8 pieces)
basmati rice
1 cup (washed and rinsed)
sunflower oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
chicken bouillon cube
1 (dissolved in sauce)
onion
1 (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (diced)
green cardamom pods
6 (whole)
cloves
5 (whole)
cinnamon sticks
2 (whole)
black limes
2 (whole)
cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
coriander
1 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
ginger
1 teaspoon (ground)
cardamom
1 teaspoon (ground)
tomato sauce
15 ounces (canned)
hard-boiled eggs
4 (optional, sliced for garnish)
pine nuts
to taste (optional, toasted for garnish)
raisins
to taste (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by soaking the basmati rice in a bowl of water for at least 15 minutes to allow it to expand and soften before cooking.
2
2. In a large 8-quart stockpot, heat sunflower oil over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onions and garlic until the onions turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3
3. Once the onions are golden, add the bay leaves, green cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon sticks, black limes, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, ginger, and ground cardamom. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and add the chicken bouillon cube. Mix well and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low-medium.
5
5. Add the chicken pieces to the pot, letting them sauté for about 1 minute while stirring to coat them in the sauce and spices.
6
6. Pour enough water into the pot to cover the chicken completely. Increase the heat to bring it to a full boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 35 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7
7. Reserve 2 cups of the broth from the chicken pot for cooking the rice. In a separate 2-quart saucepan, combine the soaked rice with enough broth to submerge it. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the rice is tender.
8
8. While the rice is cooking, preheat your oven to high broil. Transfer the chicken pieces to a roasting pan and broil for about 5 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy.
9
9. Once the rice is finished cooking, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large serving platter. Arrange the broiled chicken on top of the rice.
10
10. Garnish your Kabsa with optional chopped hard-boiled eggs, toasted pine nuts, and sweet raisins for added flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
35g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Saudi Kabsa?
Authentic Saudi Kabsa is a traditional rice dish from Saudi Arabia featuring meat, usually chicken, cooked with a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, cumin, and black limes.
What kind of rice should I use for Kabsa?
Long-grain basmati rice is the best choice for this recipe as it absorbs the spiced broth while remaining light and fluffy.
How long should the rice be soaked?
The basmati rice should be soaked in water for at least 15 minutes to help the grains expand and cook evenly.
What are the primary spices in this Saudi Kabsa recipe?
This recipe uses a rich blend of bay leaves, green cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon sticks, black limes, cumin, coriander, ginger, and ground cardamom.
What are black limes?
Black limes, or loomi, are dried limes used in Middle Eastern cooking to add a distinct citrusy and slightly fermented flavor to stews and rice dishes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How is the chicken prepared for this dish?
One whole chicken is cut into 8 pieces, simmered in a spiced broth, and then broiled to achieve a golden, crispy skin.
Why is the chicken broiled separately?
Broiling the chicken after boiling ensures the meat remains tender on the inside while the skin becomes crispy and appetizingly browned.
Can I add garnishes to Kabsa?
Yes, traditional garnishes include sliced hard-boiled eggs, toasted pine nuts, and sweet raisins for added texture and flavor.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
This dish provides about 30 grams of protein per serving.
What type of oil is used for sauteing?
Sunflower oil is recommended for sauteing the onions and garlic due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
How long does the chicken need to cook in the broth?
The chicken should simmer in the spiced broth for approximately 35 minutes until it is tender and fully cooked.
How do I cook the rice for this recipe?
The rice is cooked in 2 cups of the reserved chicken broth for 8 to 10 minutes until tender.
What pot size is recommended for this recipe?
An 8-quart stockpot is recommended for cooking the chicken and broth, and a 2-quart saucepan for the rice.
Does this recipe use tomato sauce?
Yes, 15 ounces of canned tomato sauce are used to create a rich, thickened base for the cooking broth.
Is ginger included in Saudi Kabsa?
Yes, ground ginger is one of the key spices used to add warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
What are the fat and carbohydrate counts?
Each serving contains 15g of fat and 35g of carbohydrates.
How long should I saute the onions and garlic?
The diced onions and garlic should be sauteed for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions turn golden brown.
Are the cinnamon sticks used whole or ground?
The recipe calls for two whole cinnamon sticks to infuse the broth with flavor.
How many cardamom pods are used?
The recipe uses 6 whole green cardamom pods plus an additional teaspoon of ground cardamom for extra aroma.
Can I use chicken bouillon cubes?
Yes, one chicken bouillon cube is added to the sauce to enhance the savory depth of the dish.
What is the best way to serve Kabsa?
Transfer the cooked rice to a large platter, arrange the broiled chicken on top, and decorate with your chosen garnishes.
Can I use pine nuts in this recipe?
Toasted pine nuts are an excellent optional garnish that adds a nutty crunch to the finished dish.
How many cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 5 whole cloves.
What is the role of bay leaves in this dish?
Two whole bay leaves are used to provide a subtle herbal background note to the spiced rice.
Is this a good dish for festive occasions?
Yes, Kabsa is a beloved meal often served at family gatherings and festive celebrations in the Middle East.
How do I ensure the chicken skin is crispy?
Broil the chicken pieces on high for about 5 minutes after they have been boiled in the broth.
Can raisins be used in Kabsa?
Yes, sweet raisins are a traditional optional garnish that provides a nice contrast to the savory spices.
Is garlic a necessary ingredient?
Yes, two diced garlic cloves are essential for building the aromatic base of the dish.