Ingredients for Al Kabsa Traditional Saudi Rice Chicken Dish
- Butter
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- Garlic Cloves
- Tomato Puree
- Chopped Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Whole Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Ground Cumin
- Ground Coriander
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Hot Water
- Chicken Stock Cube
- Basmati Rice
- 1/4 cup raisins (for garnish)
- Slivered Almonds
- Saffron
- Green Cardamoms
- Ground Cinnamon
- Ground Allspice
- White Pepper
- Dried Limes
How to Make Al Kabsa Traditional Saudi Rice Chicken Dish
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, ginger, and spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- While the chicken simmers, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a separate saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt.
- Bring the rice to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked through. Fluff with a fork.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside. Skim off any excess fat from the sauce.
- Gently stir the cooked rice into the chicken sauce. Return the chicken to the pot, ensuring it's coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with toasted almonds, raisins, and fresh cilantro before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Al Kabsa!
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
14 g
Sugar
27g
Fat
57g
Carbs
17g