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5.0 from 3 votes

Easy Al Kabsa Traditional Saudi Rice

Perfect for any time of day, this recipe delivers great flavor effortlessly.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 20 mins
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 656 kcal
Course: Others

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
  • 3½ 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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine the Al Kabsa spice mix in a bowl and set aside.
  2. Use a Dutch oven (iron pot) or large stockpot to melt the butter in.
  3. Sauté the onion in the butter till slightly soft, then add the garlic and chicken pieces.
  4. Stir until the chicken browns.
  5. Turn the heat down a bit, then add the tomato puree, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Simmer for a few minutes.
  6. Add the canned or fresh tomatoes and carrots.
  7. Add the cloves, the ground limes, and the Al Kabsa spice mix.
  8. Add the salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Cook for 5 – 10 minutes.
  10. Dissolve the stock cube in the heated water and add to the pot.
  11. Stir the pot now and again until it boils. Turn the heat down, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
  12. Now add the rice slowly and stir with care.
  13. With the lid back on, simmer for another 20 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  14. 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.
  15. Put the rice on a large serving dish with the chicken pieces on top. Garnish with the toasted almonds and some fresh coriander leaves.

Nutrition Information

Calories 656kcal (33%) Carbohydrates 49g (16%) Protein 36g (72%) Fat 35g (54%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Polyunsaturated Fat 7g Monounsaturated Fat 17g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 124mg (41%) Sodium 268mg (11%) Potassium 676mg (19%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 4158IU (83%) Vitamin C 12mg (13%) Calcium 91mg (9%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 656

% Daily Value*

Calories 656kcal 33%
Carbohydrates 49g 16%
Protein 36g 72%
Fat 35g 54%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7g 41%
Monounsaturated Fat 17g 85%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 124mg 41%
Sodium 268mg 11%
Potassium 676mg 14%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 4158IU 83%
Vitamin C 12mg 13%
Calcium 91mg 9%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.