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Kabsa-Recipe

Kabsa

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Kabsa is a flavorful and comforting dish made with chicken, basmati rice, and a medley of spices. This easy recipe allows you to prepare a wholesome meal that brings the taste of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine to your table. Perfect for a quick dinner or a festive gathering!

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 8 ounces)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon minced or grated fresh ginger
  • 3 tablespoon tomato paste (about 2 1/2 ounces)
  • 3 medium tomatoes, finely chopped (about 12 ounces)
  • 2 medium carrots, grated
  • 1 pound bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4)
  • 1 pound chicken drumsticks (about 4)
  • 3 cups water, plus more if needed
  • Kosher salt
  • Zest from 1 orange
  • 2 whole loomi (black limes), pierced with the tip of a sharp knife (optional)
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds (1 1/2 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup raisins (3 ounces)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Chopped parsley, to serve (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash the basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 45 minutes and then drain.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, nutmeg, and cloves to create the Kabsa spice blend.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, ginger, tomato paste, and spice blend, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the chopped tomatoes and grated carrots to the pot, cooking until they become jammy, about 4-5 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the mixture. Preheat the oven to broil.
  5. Pour in 3 cups of water, add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, orange zest, and the pierced loomi. Ensure the chicken is submerged, adding more water if necessary.
  6. Cover the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken pieces to a broiler-safe dish and baste lightly with broth. Sprinkle with salt.
  7. Add the soaked rice to the broth in the pot, stir, and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat, cooking for 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
  8. Place the chicken under the broiler, browning skin-side up for 10-12 minutes until desired crispness is reached. Turn occasionally to brown evenly.
  9. In a small frying pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-low heat. Toast the slivered almonds until lightly browned. Add raisins and warm them through. Remove from heat.
  10. To serve, fluff the rice on a large dish, top with toasted almonds, raisins, and the browned chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Last Step:

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Notes

Soaking the rice helps achieve the right texture during cooking.
Adjust spices according to your taste preference for a milder or spicier dish.
Feel free to use other cuts of chicken as per your preference.

  • Author: dani
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 100 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop and Broil
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg