Kabsa is a traditional Arabian dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its aromatic spices and tender meat. This rice-based dish is a popular choice for special occasions and family gatherings in many Middle Eastern countries. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of preparing a mouthwatering Kabsa, ensuring you capture the essence of Arabian cuisine right in your own kitchen. Additionally, we'll provide some helpful notes and nutritional information to enhance your cooking experience.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6):

For the Rice:

1- 2 cups long-grain Basmati rice

2- 4 cups water

3- 1 cinnamon stick

4- 4 green cardamom pods

5- 4 cloves

6- 1 bay leaf

7- Salt to taste

For the Chicken:

1- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces

2- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3- 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped

4- 4 cloves of garlic, minced

5- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

6- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

7- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

8- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

9- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

10- 1 teaspoon ground paprika

11- Salt to taste

For the Garnish:

1- Fried almonds and pine nuts

2- Fresh coriander leaves

Note: Feel free to adjust the spice quantities according to your taste preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.

2- In a large pot, add 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice, along with the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, and salt. Stir gently to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes or until it is tender and the water is absorbed. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.

3- In a separate large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

4- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for a minute until the aroma is released.

5- Now, add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.

6- In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, paprika, and salt. Mix well to create a spice blend.

7- Sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken and stir to coat the pieces evenly. Continue cooking for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

8- Pour enough water into the pan to cover the chicken. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

9- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the remaining liquid in the pan reduce to form a thick sauce.

10- In a serving dish, arrange the cooked rice as the bottom layer. Place the cooked chicken pieces on top of the rice, followed by the sauce from the pan.

11- Garnish the Kabsa with fried almonds, pine nuts, and fresh coriander leaves for added texture and flavor.

12- Serve the Kabsa hot and enjoy the wonderful blend of aromatic spices and tender chicken with the fragrant rice.

Nutrition Facts:

(Note: The following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe.)

• Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 4 servings)
• Calories: approximately 550
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 70g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 30g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and any modifications made to the recipe.

Here are the approximate nutrition facts for the main ingredients used in the Kabsa recipe:

Basmati Rice (2 cups cooked):

• Calories: 440
• Total Fat: 0.8g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 96g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 9g

Chicken (1 kg):

• Calories: 1200
• Total Fat: 72g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Cholesterol: 360mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 0g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 132g

Please note that the nutrition facts provided are approximate values and can vary based on the specific brand, cut, and cooking methods used. It's always advisable to refer to the nutrition information on the packaging or consult a registered dietitian for accurate and personalized nutritional details.