Best Al Kabsa Traditional Saudi Rice Meat Dish Recipes

AL KABSA - TRADITIONAL SAUDI RICE (& CHICKEN) DISH

Al Kabsa - Traditional Saudi Rice (& Chicken) Dish image

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

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter
3 lbs chicken, cut into 8-10 pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup tomato puree
14 ounces canned chopped tomatoes, un-drained (or fresh)
3 medium carrots, grated
2 whole cloves
1 pinch grated nutmeg
1 pinch ground cumin
1 pinch ground coriander
salt & freshly ground black pepper
4 cups hot water
1 chicken stock cube
2 1/4 cups basmati rice (don't rinse or soak this)
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 teaspoon saffron
1/4 teaspoon ground green cardamoms
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground dried limes

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 - TRADITIONAL SAUDI RICE (& MEAT) DISH

Al Kabsa - Traditional Saudi Rice (& Meat) Dish image

This is my meat (lamb) version of Al Kabsa / Kabsah. Kabsa is one of the most famous of all the traditional Saudi dishes & is actually easy to make! See my other recipes for the chicken version.......

Provided by Um Safia

Categories One Dish Meal

Time 3h20m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 27

Ingredients

2 1/2 kg lamb, large cubes
4 cups basmati rice
1/2 kg carrot, peeled and finely diced
1 green pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 kg tomatoes, peeled and diced
1 kg finely chopped onion
6 -8 garlic cloves, minced
1 pinch ground cumin
1 pinch ground coriander
salt and black pepper
butter (for frying) or olive oil (for frying)
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1/2 teaspoon saffron
1/4 teaspoon ground green cardamoms
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground dried limes
2 cups water
1 beef stock cube (Maggi)
1 large onion, finely chopped
14 ounces chopped tomatoes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 cup diced celery
salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons butter

Steps:

Fry meat until browned on all sides. Add enough water to the pot so that it covers the meat by 1.5"-2", bring to a boil then cook gently over medium heat for 1 1/2 - 2 hours or until tender. Reserve stock & set meat aside.
Soak rice for 15 minutes. Drain, rise under running water then drain well.
Add butter to a large stock pot or casserole, fry the onion, pepper, carrot & spices. Cook on low heat for about 10 minutes, or until tender.
Add rice to vegetables in the pot, cook for 5 minutes on medium heat. Add meat stock until stock covers rice (approx 1.5" above rice). Cover pot. Cook on low heat for 30 minutes or until tender - add a little more stock or water if rice seems to become dry.
Sauce:.
Fry onion, garlic and tomato in the butter. Add tomato paste, celery, salt, cinnamon, water & stock cube. Cook on medium heat until slightly thickened and celery is tender.
Serve in a large dish or on a platter. Place the rice first, top with meat & garnish with pine nuts. Serve the sauce in a jug with a spoon. Saudies enjoy kabsa with a hot sauce called 'shattah' -- .

Nutrition Facts : Calories 793.4, Fat 32.1, SaturatedFat 12.4, Cholesterol 138.1, Sodium 243.3, Carbohydrate 81.7, Fiber 7.9, Sugar 12.2, Protein 44.6

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What is Al Kabsa?

Al Kabsa is a traditional rice and meat dish that originated in Saudi Arabia. It is considered to be the national dish of Saudi Arabia and is often served on special occasions and during festive celebrations. The dish is known for its spicy flavor and rich aroma, which comes from the use of traditional Arabian spices like saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon.

The History of Al Kabsa

Al Kabsa has a long and interesting history that dates back to the Bedouin tribes of Arabia. The dish was originally created as a way to provide sustenance for the nomadic tribes who relied on a diet of dates, camel milk, and meat. Over time, as the tribes settled into permanent settlements, the dish evolved to incorporate more ingredients, spices, and flavors.

The Key Ingredients of Al Kabsa

The key ingredients of Al Kabsa include:

1. Rice

Rice is the main ingredient in Al Kabsa and is typically cooked with a variety of spices and herbs to infuse it with flavor.

2. Meat

The meat used in Al Kabsa can vary depending on the recipe, but it is often lamb, chicken, or beef. The meat is typically marinated in a mixture of spices and then cooked until tender.

3. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a key ingredient in Al Kabsa and are often used to make the flavorful tomato sauce that is served with the dish.

4. Onions

Onions are added to the dish to provide a bit of sweetness and depth of flavor.

5. Spices

The spices used in Al Kabsa can vary depending on the recipe, but they typically include saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper. These spices give the dish its signature flavor and aroma.

How to Make Al Kabsa

While the exact recipe for Al Kabsa can vary depending on the region, there are a few common steps involved in making the dish:

1. Cook the rice

The rice is typically cooked with a variety of spices and herbs, including saffron, cardamom, and bay leaves. Once the rice is cooked, it is set aside to cool.

2. Marinate the meat

The meat is typically marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs for several hours to infuse it with flavor.

3. Cook the meat

The marinated meat is then cooked until it is tender and juicy.

4. Make the tomato sauce

The tomato sauce is made by cooking onions and garlic in oil until they are soft and fragrant. Then, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and a variety of spices are added to create a rich and flavorful sauce.

5. Serve the dish

To serve the dish, the rice is typically arranged in a large serving dish and topped with the cooked meat and tomato sauce. The dish is then garnished with chopped parsley and almonds.

Conclusion

Al Kabsa is a delicious and flavorful dish that is enjoyed by people all around the world. While the recipe can vary depending on the region, the dish is always made with a blend of spices and ingredients that give it its signature taste and aroma. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just want to try something new, Al Kabsa is a must-try dish that is sure to impress.

Al Kabsa Traditional Saudi Rice Meat Dish Recipes – Tips to Make it Perfect Every Time

Al Kabsa is a traditional Saudi Arabian dish that combines flavorful spices and delicious ingredients. This dish is made with long grain rice, roasted meat, and a savory tomato sauce. Here are some valuable tips to help you make the best Al Kabsa possible:

1. Choose the Perfect Rice for Al Kabsa

The rice you choose for your Al Kabsa dish can make or break the recipe. Long grain rice is the preferred choice and should be washed several times until the water runs clear. This helps to remove any excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

2. Spice Up Your Al Kabsa Sauce

The main ingredient in Al Kabsa sauce is tomato paste. It's important to use high-quality tomato paste as it contains more natural sweetness, which helps to balance out the flavors in the dish. You can also add other spices to the sauce, such as cumin, ginger, and cloves, to create a more complex flavor.

3. Perfectly Roast Your Meat

When cooking the meat for your Al Kabsa dish, it's important to get the perfect balance between crispy and tender. The trick to achieving this is to cook the meat on high heat for a short period of time, then lower the heat and continue cooking until tender. This creates a crispy outer layer with a juicy, tender interior.

4. Don't Overcook Your Rice

Overcooked rice can become mushy and lose its texture, ruining the entire dish. To avoid this, cook the rice in a pot with hot water until it's about 80-90% done, then remove it from the heat and allow it to sit covered for around 15 minutes. This process allows the rice to absorb any excess moisture and fluff up.

5. Use Authentic Ingredients

Using authentic ingredients is essential to creating an authentic-tasting Al Kabsa dish. Some of the key ingredients you'll need are bay leaves, cardamom pods, black pepper, cinnamon sticks, and saffron. It's important to use high-quality ingredients to ensure that the flavors of the dish are enhanced rather than being overwhelmed.

6. Use the Right Amount of Water

The amount of water you use when cooking the rice is crucial in determining its texture. Too much water can make the rice mushy, while too little can make it dry and undercooked. A general rule of thumb is to use 1.5 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice, but this may vary depending on the type of rice you're using.

7. Don't Skimp on the Ghee

Ghee is a type of clarified butter that's commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking. It's a key ingredient in Al Kabsa, as it adds richness and depth to the dish. Don't be tempted to skimp on the ghee, as it plays an important role in both the flavor and texture of the dish.

8. Be Patient

Al Kabsa is not a dish that can be rushed. It requires time and patience to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Take your time when cooking the meat, sauce, and rice, and don't rush any of the steps. Trust the process, and you'll be rewarded with a truly delicious traditional Saudi Arabian dish. In conclusion, Al Kabsa is a delicious traditional Saudi Arabian dish that's easy to make once you have the right ingredients and follow the tips outlined above. With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a family favorite.