Al Kabsa - Traditional Saudi Rice (& Chicken) Dish

Name: Al Kabsa - Traditional Saudi Rice (& Chicken) Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Kabsa Dish; 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; Kabsa Spice Mix; 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

Servings: persons

Kabsa Dish
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
Kabsa Spice Mix
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

1
Melt butter in a large stock pot, casserole or dutch oven. Add chicken pieces, onion & garlic & saute until onion is tender. Stir in tomato puree & simmer over a low heat for a couple of minutes.
2
Add tomatoes, carrots, cloves, all the spices & salt and pepper. Cook for a couple of minutes. Add the water & Maggi cube.
3
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).
4
Re-Cover & simmer for 35 - 40 minutes - adding the raisins for the last 10 minutes - or until rice is tender.
5
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'.
6
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).

1465

kcal

Calories

Fat

158

Carbs

131

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 25 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Kabsa Dish, 1/4 cup butter, 3 lbs chicken, cut into 8-10 pieces, 1 large onion, finely chopped, and more.

Yes, Al Kabsa - Traditional Saudi Rice (& Chicken) Dish falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Al Kabsa - Traditional Saudi Rice (& Chicken) Dish

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions