Kabsa recipes

 Kabsa is a traditional Middle Eastern dish, particularly popular in Saudi Arabia. It is a flavorful rice dish typically made with basmati rice, meat (such as lamb, chicken, or beef), and a blend of aromatic spices. The following is a basic recipe for Chicken Kabsa, a common variation of the dish. Feel free to adjust quantities and ingredients to suit your taste.

Chicken Kabsa Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds or pine nuts, toasted
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
   • Add minced garlic and continue sautéing until aromatic.
   • Add chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.
   • Sprinkle ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken with spices.
   • Add enough water to cover the chicken, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Rice:

   • In a separate pot, heat vegetable oil and sauté the soaked and drained basmati rice for a few minutes.
   • Add diced tomatoes, grated carrots, tomato paste, and salt. Stir well.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
   • If using raisins, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

3. Assemble the Kabsa:

   • Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and transfer it to a serving platter.
   • Arrange the cooked chicken on top of the rice.
   • Garnish with toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts.

4. 
   
   Serve:
   • Kabsa is often served with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad.

Feel free to customize this basic recipe by adding other vegetables, adjusting the spice levels, or trying different meats. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Kabsa!