Saudi Kabsa

A traditional Saudi rice dish with chicken, spices, and aromatic toppings.
1h 55m4Servings
Nutrition
720kcal
37gProtein
86gCarbs
27gFat
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
Oil
⅔ cup
Onions
2 cups
Ginger
½ tsp
Chicken
600 g
Salt
To taste
1 tbsp
Orange Zest
½ tbsp
Black Pepper
½ tbsp
Cardamom
½ tbsp
Dried Lemon
1 piece
Cinnamon Powder
½ tsp
Cloves Powder
¼ tsp
Tomato Paste
1 tbsp
Tomatoes
2 cups
Water
1 l
Long Grain Rice
1½ cups
Shredded Carrots
2 cups
KABSA TOPPING
Almonds
⅓ cup
Raisins
⅓ cup
Instructions
1Sauté Aromatics and Chicken
15m
Heat Oil
On medium-high heat, add 1/3 cup oil to a pot.
Sauté Onions and Ginger
Add 2 cups onions and 1/2 tsp grated ginger. Cook until brown.
Brown Chicken
Add 600g chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
2Simmer Chicken
25m
Add Spices and Tomatoes
Add 1 tbsp salt, 1/2 tbsp orange zest, 1/2 tbsp black pepper, 1/2 tbsp ground cardamom, 1 dried lemon, 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder, 1/4 tsp cloves powder, 1 tbsp tomato paste, and 2 cups finely chopped tomatoes.
Add Water and Simmer
Pour in 1 liter of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-high, cover, and cook the chicken for 25 minutes.
3Prepare Toppings
10m
Toast Almonds
In a separate pan on medium-high heat, add a bit of oil and the 1/3 cup almonds. Once brown, remove and place on tissue paper to drain.
Roast Raisins
In the same pan, add the 1/3 cup raisins. Brown them quickly, being careful not to burn. Once browned, remove and place on tissue paper.
4Cook Rice and Finish Chicken
30m
Broil Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and place it in a baking pan. Broil in a hot oven for 5-10 minutes until slightly crisped.
Cook Rice
To the pot with the sauce, add 1 1/2 cups long grain rice (soaked for 45 minutes) and 2 cups shredded carrots. Stir gently. Cover the pot with a clean towel to absorb excess moisture, then place the lid on top. Cook on medium heat for 25 minutes.
Assemble and Serve
Serve the rice first, then place the chicken on top. Sprinkle generously with the roasted almonds and raisins.
Tips
Ensure the rice is not overcooked; it should be tender but still have a slight bite.
Adjust spice levels to your preference; you can add more cardamom or a pinch of chili for heat.
For a richer flavor, you can use chicken broth instead of water when cooking the rice.