Al Kabsa Traditional Saudi Rice and Chicken Recipe

Chicken: A whole chicken cut into pieces, providing the main protein for the dish.

Basmati rice: A long-grain rice known for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked until golden brown.

Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic base for the dish.

Tomato paste: Concentrated tomatoes that add richness and depth to the sauce.

Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes that contribute to the sauce's texture and flavor.

Ground cumin: A warm, earthy spice that adds depth to the dish.

Ground coriander: Adds a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor.

Ground turmeric: Provides a warm, peppery flavor and a vibrant yellow color.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a sweet, woody flavor that complements the other spices.

Ground cardamom: A fragrant spice with a complex flavor, essential for the dish's aroma.

Ground black lime: Adds a tangy, slightly smoky flavor unique to Middle Eastern cuisine.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful liquid for cooking the rice and chicken.

Raisins: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory spices.

Toasted slivered almonds: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor as a garnish.

When browning the chicken, ensure the pieces are spaced out evenly in the pot to avoid overcrowding. This allows the chicken to brown properly and develop a rich, deep flavor. If necessary, brown the chicken in batches.

• chicken - Substitute with lamb: Lamb provides a rich, hearty flavor that complements the spices in Al Kabsa.

• basmati rice - Substitute with jasmine rice: Jasmine rice has a similar texture and aroma, making it a good alternative.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can enhance the dish.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable, though it may lack some of the fresh flavor.

• tomato paste - Substitute with pureed tomatoes: Pureed tomatoes can provide a similar depth of flavor and thickness.

• tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are a convenient alternative that still offers a fresh tomato flavor.

• ground cumin - Substitute with ground caraway seeds: Caraway seeds have a similar earthy flavor profile to cumin.

• ground coriander - Substitute with ground fennel seeds: Fennel seeds provide a sweet, aromatic flavor that can mimic coriander.

• ground turmeric - Substitute with saffron: Saffron offers a similar color and a unique, slightly sweet flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground allspice: Allspice has a warm, spicy flavor that can replace cinnamon.

• ground cardamom - Substitute with ground nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a similar warm, aromatic flavor.

• ground black lime - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can provide a similar tangy, citrusy flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and flavor profile.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter, vegetarian option.

• raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries provide a similar sweetness with a slight tartness.

• toasted slivered almonds - Substitute with toasted pine nuts: Pine nuts offer a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

• Allow the Al Kabsa to cool down to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the rice soggy.
• Transfer the Al Kabsa into airtight containers. For best results, use containers that are shallow and wide to ensure even cooling and reheating.
• Label the containers with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the Al Kabsa has been stored.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the Al Kabsa within 3-4 days. Ensure the refrigerator is set to 40°F (4°C) or below.
• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. Al Kabsa can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the Al Kabsa in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the dish's texture.
• Reheat the Al Kabsa in a microwave or on the stovetop. If using a microwave, transfer the Al Kabsa to a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the Al Kabsa to prevent it from drying out. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.
• Garnish with freshly toasted slivered almonds before serving to restore the dish's original texture and flavor.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover Al Kabsa to the skillet, spreading it out evenly.
  4. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the steam.
  5. Heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice and chicken are heated through.
  6. Garnish with fresh toasted almonds before serving.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the leftover Al Kabsa to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water to keep the dish moist.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice and chicken are thoroughly heated.
  6. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top crisp up slightly.
  7. Garnish with fresh toasted almonds before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover Al Kabsa in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Stir the rice and chicken halfway through to ensure even heating.
  6. Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
  7. Garnish with fresh toasted almonds before serving.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place the leftover Al Kabsa in a heatproof dish that fits into your steamer basket.
  2. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water to the dish.
  3. Fill the steamer pot with water and bring it to a boil.
  4. Place the dish in the steamer basket and cover with a lid.
  5. Steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until the rice and chicken are heated through.
  6. Garnish with fresh toasted almonds before serving.

• Large pot: A big enough pot to accommodate the chicken, rice, and broth, allowing for even cooking.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping onions, garlic, and tomatoes.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife for efficiently chopping vegetables and cutting the chicken.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the rice and chicken broth.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the spices and salt.

• Garlic press: Useful for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Bowl: Handy for soaking the basmati rice before cooking.

• Tongs: Useful for turning and browning the chicken pieces evenly.

• Lid: To cover the pot while the dish simmers, ensuring the rice cooks properly and the flavors meld together.

• Small skillet: Perfect for toasting the slivered almonds before garnishing the dish.

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the onions, garlic, and tomatoes ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.

Use pre-cut chicken: Buy chicken pieces that are already cut to save time on butchering.

Soak rice early: Soak the basmati rice in advance to cut down on prep time.

Measure spices beforehand: Pre-measure all spices and keep them in small bowls ready to use.

Use a food processor: Mince the garlic and chop the onions quickly with a food processor.

Cook in batches: Brown the chicken pieces in batches to ensure even cooking and save time.