Discover how to make the perfect Kabsa, a traditional spiced rice dish popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. This recipe guides you through creating a flavorful blend of rice, aromatic spices, and your choice of lamb, chicken, or beef. Ideal for family gatherings or special occasions, Kabsa is a hearty and satisfying meal that brings the rich flavors of the Middle East to your table. Follow our step-by-step instructions for a delicious and authentic Kabsa experience.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups basmati rice

- 1 lb lamb, chicken, or beef (cubed)

- 1 large onion (finely chopped)

- 3 cloves garlic (minced)

- 2 tomatoes (diced)

- 2 tablespoons Kabsa spice mix (or a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper)

- 1 teaspoon turmeric

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1/4 cup tomato paste

- 4 cups chicken or beef broth

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or ghee

- 1 bay leaf

- 2-3 cardamom pods

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

- 1/2 cup slivered almonds (optional)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Cook the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil or ghee over medium-high heat. Add the cubed meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and golden brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in the Kabsa spice mix, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, and cook until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.

Combine Meat and Broth: Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the chicken or beef broth, bay leaf, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the meat is tender.

Add Rice: Stir in the soaked and drained rice. Ensure the rice is evenly distributed. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender. 

Optional Add-ins: If using, stir in the raisins and slivered almonds during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Garnish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy your flavorful and aromatic Kabsa, perfect for any occasion!

Nutritional values

Here's a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values and benefits for the ingredients in your Kabsa recipe:

Basmati Rice - 2 cups

 - Calories: 430

 - Fat: 0.8g

 - Carbohydrates: 96g

 - Protein: 8g

Benefits:

 - Provides complex carbohydrates for energy.

 - Aromatic and fluffy texture when cooked.

Lamb, Chicken, or Beef (1 lb)

 - Calories: 1100

 - Fat: 60g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 130g

Benefits:

 - High in protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

 - Rich in vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, iron, and zinc.

Onion - 1 large

 - Calories: 60

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 14g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants such as quercetin that may reduce inflammation.

 - Adds flavor with minimal calories.

Garlic - 3 cloves

 - Calories: 12

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 3g

 - Protein: 0.6g

Benefits:

 - Contains allicin, which may have antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.

 - Adds flavor and health benefits with minimal calories.

Tomatoes - 2 medium

 - Calories: 44

 - Fat: 0.5g

 - Carbohydrates: 10g

 - Protein: 2g

Benefits:

 - High in vitamins C and A.

 - Contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Kabsa Spice Mix - 2 tablespoons

 - Varies depending on the specific blend; typically includes spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper.

Benefits:

 - Adds complex flavors and may offer health benefits such as improved digestion and anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric - 1 teaspoon

 - Calories: 4

 - Fat: 0.1g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - Contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Ground Cumin - 1 teaspoon

 - Calories: 8

 - Fat: 0.5g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.4g

Benefits:

 - Adds a warm, earthy flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and aids in digestion.

Ground Coriander - 1 teaspoon

 - Calories: 6

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.3g

Benefits:

 - Adds a mild, citrusy flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and may help with digestion.

Tomato Paste - 1/4 cup

 - Calories: 30

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 7g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits:

 - Adds a rich tomato flavor and additional nutrients.

 - Concentrated source of vitamins and antioxidants.

Chicken or Beef Broth - 4 cups

 - Varies depending on preparation; typically low in calories and fat.

Benefits:

 - Adds depth of flavor.

 - Provides some nutrients and may contribute to hydration.

Vegetable Oil or Ghee - 1/4 cup

 - Calories: 480

 - Fat: 54g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds richness and aids in cooking.

 - Ghee provides additional fat-soluble vitamins and has a high smoke point.

Bay Leaf - 1

 - Minimal impact on calories or macronutrients.

Benefits:

 - Adds aromatic flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and may aid in digestion.

Cardamom Pods - 2-3

 - Calories: 6

 - Fat: 0.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.2g

Benefits:

 - Adds a unique, aromatic flavor.

 - May aid in digestion and have antioxidant properties.

Cinnamon Stick - 1

 - Calories: 6

 - Fat: 0.1g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - Adds warmth and sweetness.

 - May help regulate blood sugar levels.

Raisins - 1/2 cup (optional)

 - Calories: 200

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 53g

 - Protein: 2g

Benefits:

 - Adds natural sweetness and iron.

 - Provides dietary fiber.

Slivered Almonds - 1/2 cup (optional)

 - Calories: 260

 - Fat: 22g

 - Carbohydrates: 9g

 - Protein: 10g

Benefits:

 - Adds crunch and healthy fats.

 - Provides vitamins and minerals like vitamin E and magnesium.

Fresh Cilantro (for garnish)

 - Calories: 1

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds fresh flavor and vitamins.

 - Low in calories and provides antioxidants.

This Kabsa recipe features a blend of aromatic spices and tender meat, served with fluffy basmati rice. The spices offer numerous health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and enhanced digestion. Optional garnishes like raisins and slivered almonds add texture and additional flavors but should be used according to personal taste and dietary needs. The recipe is balanced with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.