Traditional Saudi Kabssah

Traditional Saudi Kabssah Recipe: A Flavorful Chicken and Rice Dish

Region / culture: Saudi Arabia | Servings: 4

Introduction

Traditional Saudi Kabssah is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with fragrant spices and fluffy basmati rice. This dish is a staple in Saudi Arabian cuisine and is often served at special occasions and gatherings.

History

Kabssah has been a popular dish in Saudi Arabia for generations, with its origins dating back to ancient Arabian culinary traditions. The dish is believed to have been influenced by the flavors and ingredients of the region, including spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin. Over the years, Kabssah has become a beloved dish that is enjoyed by families and friends across the country.

Ingredients

1 medium onion, diced into small cubes
2 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 whole chicken, cut in half
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tbsp cumin
salt
pepper
basmati rice

How to prepare

Place the onions in a medium-sized pot and drizzle 2 tbsp of olive oil. Cook over medium-high heat until the onions turn yellowish and start to brown. Then add the garlic and cook for a few seconds. Next, add the tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and spice mix. Cook until it becomes a thick red sauce and the tomatoes are almost melted.
Add the chicken halves to the pot and sauté them with the sauce for a few minutes. Pour in a small amount of hot water, just enough to cover the chicken, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
While the chicken is cooking, wash the rice and soak it in cold water for 30 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the pot and transfer it to a roasting pan. Place it in the oven and broil until it turns golden.
Drain the rice from the water and add it to the chicken broth.
Ensure that there is not too much water in the pot.
Cook the rice over medium-high heat, allowing it to boil until it is almost dry but still has a little bit of broth remaining at the bottom of the pot.
Reduce the heat to very low, cover the pot well, and let it cook for 10 minutes.
Finally, uncover the pot and transfer the rice to a large serving plate. Top it with the chicken and serve with a yogurt salad or a green salad. Enjoy a delicious Saudi meal!

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or mixed vegetables.
You can add raisins or nuts to the rice for a sweet and savory twist.
Experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavor of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the onions well before adding the garlic and tomatoes to develop a rich flavor base for the dish.

- Broiling the chicken after cooking it in the sauce adds a delicious crispy texture to the dish.

- Be sure to soak the rice before cooking to ensure fluffy and separate grains.

Serving Suggestions

Traditional Saudi Kabssah can be served with a side of yogurt salad, green salad, or pickled vegetables. It can also be enjoyed with a side of flatbread or pita.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for Traditional Saudi Kabssah include sautéing, boiling, broiling, and steaming. These techniques help to develop the flavors of the dish and ensure that the chicken and rice are cooked to perfection.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the spices listed in the recipe, you can use a pre-made Arabic spice blend as a substitute. You can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance to save time on the day of cooking. The rice can also be soaked ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.

Presentation Ideas

To make Traditional Saudi Kabssah look more appealing, you can garnish it with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro. You can also serve it in a large platter with the chicken placed on top of the rice.

Pairing Recommendations

Traditional Saudi Kabssah pairs well with a refreshing cucumber and yogurt salad, or a tangy tomato and onion salad. It can also be enjoyed with a side of hummus or baba ganoush.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Traditional Saudi Kabssah can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The calorie content of Traditional Saudi Kabssah can vary depending on portion size and ingredients used. On average, a serving of this dish may contain around 400-500 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in Traditional Saudi Kabssah mainly come from the basmati rice used in the dish. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are an essential part of a balanced diet.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the olive oil used for cooking the onions and chicken. Fats are important for overall health and provide essential fatty acids that the body needs.

Proteins

The protein in Traditional Saudi Kabssah comes from the chicken used in the dish. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body and is an important part of a healthy diet.

Vitamins and minerals

The dish contains a variety of vitamins and minerals from the spices used, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin. These spices are rich in antioxidants and can provide health benefits.

Alergens

This dish contains chicken, which is a common allergen for some individuals. It is important to be aware of any food allergies or sensitivities when preparing or consuming this dish.

Summary

Traditional Saudi Kabssah is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals from the spices used in the recipe.

Summary

Traditional Saudi Kabssah is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of the Middle East. With fragrant spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this traditional Saudi recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Traditional Saudi Kabssah. It was a warm summer day, and I was strolling through the bustling streets of Riyadh, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city. As I passed by a local market, the aroma of spices and grilled meats filled the air, drawing me in like a magnet.

I found myself drawn to a small food stall where a friendly older woman was cooking up a storm. She greeted me with a warm smile and invited me to try a sample of her famous Kabssah. One bite was all it took for me to be hooked. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before – rich, savory, and bursting with spices that danced on my tongue.

I begged the woman to share her recipe with me, and she chuckled before agreeing. As she dictated the ingredients and steps to me, I furiously scribbled them down on a napkin, my heart racing with excitement. I couldn't wait to recreate this dish in my own kitchen and share it with my loved ones.

Back home, I gathered all the necessary ingredients – basmati rice, tender lamb meat, fragrant spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, and of course, the secret ingredient that made this dish truly special – dried limes. I carefully followed the instructions I had written down, savoring each step as I cooked.

The aroma that filled my kitchen as the Kabssah simmered slowly on the stove was intoxicating. I could hardly contain my excitement as I finally plated the dish and garnished it with toasted almonds and fresh parsley. The colors were vibrant, the flavors were bold, and I knew I had created something truly special.

As I sat down to enjoy my first bite of Traditional Saudi Kabssah, memories of that bustling market in Riyadh flooded back to me. I could almost hear the sounds of the vendors calling out their wares and the laughter of children playing in the streets. This dish was more than just a recipe – it was a piece of that vibrant culture that had captured my heart.

Over the years, I have made Traditional Saudi Kabssah countless times, each batch better than the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with its unique flavors. But every time I cook this dish, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Riyadh, where I first discovered the magic of Kabssah.

I am grateful to that kind woman at the food stall who shared her recipe with me, and to the bustling city of Riyadh for inspiring me to create something truly special. Traditional Saudi Kabssah will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to different cultures and experiences. And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming plate of Kabssah once again, I am filled with gratitude for the journey that led me to this delicious dish.