Salt Roads Recipe
Kabsa
Spiced Rice with Meat
Saudi Arabia
Servings
4
Prep
15 mins
Cook
1 hr
Total
1 hr 15 mins
Ingredients
600 g lamb pieces (or chicken)
2 cups basmati rice
1 onion, finely sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 dried lime (loomi), pierced
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cinnamon stick
3–4 cardamom pods
3 cups water or stock
Salt and pepper to taste
A pinch of saffron dissolved in hot water (optional)
Toasted almonds and raisins for garnish
Steps
Sauté the onion until soft and golden, then add the chicken or lamb and cook until lightly browned.
Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste, letting them melt into the meat.
Add the turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, dried lime, and salt, cooking briefly to release their aroma.
Pour in the water or stock, cover, and simmer until the meat is tender.
Remove the meat and set aside; add the washed basmati rice to the pot, adjusting liquid as needed so it sits just above the rice.
Steam on low heat until the rice is cooked and fragrant, then place the meat back on top to warm through.
Serve on a platter, scattering toasted almonds, raisins, and a drizzle of saffron water over the top.