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Easy Al Kabsa Traditional Saudi Rice

Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 656

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs chicken cut into 8 big chunks
  • 4 Tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 3 lbs chicken cut into big chunks
  • 6 garlic cloves minced or chopped
  • 1 large onion chopped finely
  • 3 carrots peeled and grated
  • ¼ cup tomato puree
  • 14 ounces fresh chopped tomatoes or 1 can diced tomatoes with liquid
  • ½ tsp coriander ground
  • ½ tsp cumin ground
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg grated
  • 1 cinnamon stick whole
  • 3 cloves whole
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 cube chicken stock
  • cups hot water
  • 2 cups basmati rice no pre-soaking or rinsing
  • ¼ cup raisins
  • ¼ cup almonds slivered and toasted

Al Kabsa Spices

  • ½ tsp green cardamom pods ground
  • 1 tsp cinnamon ground
  • ½ tsp allspice ground
  • ½ tsp saffron threads
  • ½ tsp dried whole limes ground see notes & tips

Instructions

  • Combine the Al Kabsa spice mix in a bowl and set aside.
  • Use a Dutch oven (iron pot) or large stockpot to melt the butter in.
  • Sauté the onion in the butter till slightly soft, then add the garlic and chicken pieces.
  • Stir until the chicken browns.
  • Turn the heat down a bit, then add the tomato puree, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Simmer for a few minutes.
  • Add the canned or fresh tomatoes and carrots.
  • Add the cloves, the ground limes, and the Al Kabsa spice mix.
  • Add the salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cook for 5 – 10 minutes.
  • Dissolve the stock cube in the heated water and add to the pot.
  • Stir the pot now and again until it boils. Turn the heat down, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Now add the rice slowly and stir with care.
  • With the lid back on, simmer for another 20 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Add the raisins and another spot of hot water. Cover again and cook a few more minutes on low heat. When the rice grains are tender but still separate, your dish is done.
  • Put the rice on a large serving dish with the chicken pieces on top. Garnish with the toasted almonds and some fresh coriander leaves.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 656kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 268mg | Potassium: 676mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 4158IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 3mg