About this Dish
Saudi Arabia's national dish — spiced rice piled high with tender roasted meat.
History & Origin
Kabsa is considered the national dish of Saudi Arabia, its blend of warm baharat spices and dried lime reflecting centuries of Arabian trade with India and East Africa.
IngredientsServes 4
🍗Whole chicken, 1.5kg cut into quarters
🍚Basmati rice, 3 cups washed and soaked 30 minutes
🧅Large onions, 2 finely chopped
🍅Canned crushed tomatoes, 400g
🧄Garlic cloves, 5 minced
🫙Kabsa spice mix, 2 tbsp (or mix: cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, black lime powder, cloves, black pepper)
🥕Carrots, 2 medium grated
🫒Vegetable oil, 3 tbsp
🥜Raisins and toasted almonds, 3 tbsp each for garnish
🧂Salt, 1.5 tsp or to taste
Method
1
Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Fry the onions until golden brown, about 10 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.2
Add the chicken pieces and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes. Stir in the kabsa spice mix and salt, coating the chicken well and letting the spices toast for 1 minute.3
Add the crushed tomatoes and grated carrots, stir everything together, then pour in enough water to cover the chicken (about 3 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.4
Remove the chicken pieces and set aside. Measure the remaining broth in the pot — you need exactly 4.5 cups for the rice, so add water or boil it down to reach that amount.5
Drain the soaked rice and add it directly into the spiced broth in the pot. Stir gently, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover tightly and cook for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.6
While the rice cooks, place the chicken pieces on a baking tray and roast in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 15 minutes until the skin is beautifully golden and slightly crisp.7
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and transfer to a large serving platter. Arrange the roasted chicken on top, then scatter the raisins and toasted almonds over everything before serving.User Reviews
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