Kabsa: Aromatic Chicken and Spiced Rice Delight
Kabsa is a celebrated dish with deep roots in Saudi Arabian culture, tracing its origins back to the nomadic Bedouin tribes of the region. This delectable dish reflects the blend of centuries of culinary evolution, shaped by the travels of nomads who incorporated local ingredients and spices into their meals. Kabsa marries succulent pieces of chicken with fragrant basmati rice, accented by a mixture of spices that infuse the dish with warmth and depth. As each tribe made the dish their own over time, variations emerged, incorporating unique spices and methods of preparation. Today, Kabsa has become a staple at family gatherings and festive occasions, embodying the rich traditions and hospitality of Arabian cooking. Enjoy this dish alongside fresh tomato sauce and warm flatbreads, and experience the essence of Arabian cuisine in every bite.
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken pieces
1 kg (Cut into serving pieces)
Basmati rice
500 g (Rinsed and soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Dried limes
2 (Finely chopped)
Fresh tomatoes
250 g (Cut into wedges)
Onions
250 g (Peeled and diced)
Garlic cloves
50 g (Peeled and finely diced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh coriander
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Olive oil
50 ml (For sautéing)
Kabsa spice mix
2 tablespoons (Or use specified spices if not available)
Fresh mint leaves
100 g (For garnish)
Green chili peppers
50 g (To taste)
Water
As needed (For cooking)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your ingredients: slice the onions and garlic, chop the fresh coriander, and cut the tomatoes into wedges.
2
In a large casserole dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3
Introduce the chicken pieces to the pot, browning them on all sides for an additional 5 minutes.
4
Stir in the basmati rice and sauté for about 3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the infused flavors from the chicken and spices.
5
Add the chopped tomatoes, Kabsa spice mix (or the alternative spices), finely chopped dried limes, and salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
6
Pour in enough water to cover the rice mixture by about an inch. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer covered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
7
Once cooked, remove the dish from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8
Serve the Kabsa by removing the lid and fluffing the rice. Accompany with the fresh tomato sauce made from blended tomatoes, season to taste, and enjoy with warm flatbreads.
Nutrition Information
13 g
Fat
92 g
Carbs
25 g
Protein
1.7 g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kabsa?
Kabsa is a traditional Saudi Arabian dish featuring aromatic chicken and spiced rice, deeply rooted in the culture of nomadic Bedouin tribes.
Where does Kabsa originate from?
Kabsa originates from the nomadic Bedouin tribes of Saudi Arabia and has evolved over centuries through their travels.
What type of rice is used in Kabsa?
The recipe specifically uses basmati rice, which is known for its fragrance and long grains.
How should I prepare the basmati rice before cooking?
The basmati rice should be rinsed and then soaked in water for 30 minutes before it is ready to be cooked.
How many calories are in a serving of this Kabsa?
Each serving of this Kabsa recipe contains approximately 600 calories.
What are the primary proteins and fats in this dish?
The dish contains 25 grams of protein and 13 grams of fat per serving.
Is Kabsa a high-carbohydrate meal?
Yes, it contains approximately 92 grams of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the rice.
What role do dried limes play in the recipe?
Dried limes are finely chopped and added to the mixture to provide a unique, tangy warmth and depth of flavor.
What amount of chicken is required?
The recipe requires 1 kg of chicken pieces, cut into serving portions.
How much basmati rice is needed?
You will need 500 grams of basmati rice for this recipe.
Can I substitute the Kabsa spice mix?
Yes, if you do not have Kabsa spice mix, you can use alternative aromatic spices specified in your pantry.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to prepare the vegetables by slicing the onions and garlic, chopping the coriander, and cutting tomatoes into wedges.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the diced onions and garlic in olive oil for about 3 to 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
How long do I brown the chicken?
The chicken pieces should be browned on all sides for approximately 5 minutes after adding them to the pot.
Why is the rice sautéed before adding water?
Sautéing the rice for about 3 minutes allows it to absorb the infused flavors from the chicken and spices.
How much water should be added to the rice mixture?
Add enough water to cover the rice mixture by about one inch.
What is the simmering time for Kabsa?
The mixture should simmer covered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Should the dish rest after cooking?
Yes, let the dish sit covered for an additional 10 minutes after removing it from the heat to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the recommended side dish for Kabsa?
Kabsa is best served with a fresh tomato sauce and warm flatbreads.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe calls for 50 ml of olive oil for sautéing the ingredients.
What vegetables are included in the dish?
The recipe includes 250g of tomatoes, 250g of onions, and 50g of garlic cloves.
Is there a garnish suggested for Kabsa?
Yes, you can garnish the dish with 100g of fresh mint leaves.
Can I make the dish spicy?
Yes, you can add up to 50g of green chili peppers to taste to introduce heat to the dish.
How much fiber is in a serving?
This Kabsa recipe provides approximately 1.7 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the preparation method for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be peeled and then finely diced.
What is the preparation method for the onions?
The onions should be peeled and diced before cooking.
How much Kabsa spice mix is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of Kabsa spice mix.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
What is the suggested amount of salt?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or you can season to taste.
Is Kabsa suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, Kabsa is a staple at family gatherings and festive occasions, embodying Arabian hospitality.