Al Kabsa Traditional Saudi Rice Meat Dish
Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of the Middle East with Al Kabsa, a beloved traditional Saudi rice and meat dish that’s as heartwarming as it is flavorful. This iconic recipe combines tender lamb or chicken with fragrant basmati rice, simmered in a medley of warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and black lime, creating a delectable blend of savory and aromatic notes. Enhanced with sweet bursts of raisins, the dish is beautifully garnished with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro for an irresistible texture and vibrant finish. Ideal for family gatherings or festive occasions, Al Kabsa is a one-pot masterpiece that promises both comfort and culinary adventure. Perfectly paired with a side of tangy yogurt or fresh salad, this stunning dish is a celebration of traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 1.5 kg Bone-in lamb or chicken
- 2 large Onion
- 4 Garlic cloves
- 4 medium Tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 large Carrot
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 6 Cardamom pods
- 5 Cloves
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 Black lime (dried lime)
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 4.5 cups Water
- 0.5 cup Raisins
- 0.5 cup Slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro
Instructions
Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 20-30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add the garlic (minced) to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the tomatoes (finely chopped) and tomato paste. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture turns into a thick sauce.
Add the lamb or chicken to the pot, ensuring the pieces are evenly coated with the sauce. Sauté the meat for 5-7 minutes.
Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaves, and black lime to the pot. Also stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
Pour in 4.5 cups of water, ensuring the meat is submerged. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 40-50 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pot and keep warm. Strain the broth to remove the whole spices, then return the broth to the pot.
Add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the pot, along with the shredded carrot and raisins. Stir gently to combine.
Cover the pot and cook the rice over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
While the rice cooks, toast the slivered almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden.
Once the rice is cooked, place the meat back on top of the rice. Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish the Al Kabsa with toasted almonds and freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6464 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 438.3 g | 562% | |
| Saturated Fat | 158.2 g | 791% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 34.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1455 mg | 485% | |
| Sodium | 6009 mg | 261% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 291.1 g | 106% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 43.8 g | 156% | |
| Total Sugars | 97.6 g | ||
| Protein | 348.0 g | 696% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 916 mg | 70% | |
| Iron | 46.6 mg | 259% | |
| Potassium | 7682 mg | 163% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
