Kabsa, a delectable Arabian rice dish, tantalizes taste buds with its unique blend of spices, typically featuring cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Often served with succulent chicken or lamb, this dish originated in the Arabian Peninsula, gaining popularity across the Middle East and beyond. With roots in Bedouin culture, Kabsa reflects the region's culinary heritage, evolving over centuries to become a beloved staple on dining tables worldwide.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups basmati rice

- 500g chicken or lamb, cut into pieces

- 2 onions, finely chopped

- 4 tomatoes, diced

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

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

- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

- Salt to taste

- Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Method of Preparation:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.

2. Add the chicken or lamb pieces and brown them on all sides.

3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Kabsa spice mix. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant.

4. Add the basmati rice to the pot and stir until well coated with the spice mixture.

5. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, season with salt, and bring to a boil.

6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

7. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and let it sit for a few minutes.

8. Serve the Kabsa hot, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Enjoy your flavorful Arabian rice dish!

This clear and uncomplicated recipe should be easy to follow, whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out.

Nutrition Value:

1. Basmati Rice (2 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 90g

  - Protein: Approximately 8g

  - Fat: Approximately 1g

  - Sodium: Minimal (depends on cooking method)

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins B1, B3, and B6

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron, magnesium, and zinc

  - Nutritional Benefit: Basmati rice is a good source of energy due to its carbohydrate content. It also provides some essential vitamins and minerals, though it's relatively low in fat and protein.

2. Chicken or Lamb (500g):

  - Calories: Approximately 1000-1200 kcal (varies based on type and cut)

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: Approximately 100g

  - Fat: Approximately 60-80g (varies based on type and cut)

  - Sodium: Varies (depends on processing and seasoning)

  - Cholesterol: Varies (higher in chicken skin and certain cuts of lamb)

  - Vitamins: Rich in B vitamins, especially niacin (B3), vitamin B6, and vitamin B12

  - Minerals: Good source of iron, zinc, and phosphorus

  - Nutritional Benefit: Chicken and lamb are excellent sources of high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins and iron.

3. Onions (2 onions):

  - Calories: Approximately 100 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 25g

  - Protein: Approximately 2g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Minimal (depends on cooking method)

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C and folate (B9)

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium and manganese

  - Nutritional Benefit: Onions add flavor and aroma to dishes while providing some vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and folate.

4. Tomatoes (4 tomatoes):

  - Calories: Approximately 100 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 20g

  - Protein: Approximately 4g

  - Fat: Approximately 1g

  - Sodium: Approximately 20mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A (from beta-carotene)

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and small amounts of other minerals like manganese

  - Nutritional Benefit: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C, which have various health benefits, including supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.

5. Garlic (4 cloves):

  - Calories: Approximately 20 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 5g

  - Protein: Approximately 1g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Minimal

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C and vitamin B6

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of manganese and selenium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

6. Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: Approximately 30 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 7g

  - Protein: Approximately 1g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 20mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins A and C

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium and iron

  - Nutritional Benefit: Tomato paste adds depth of flavor and richness to dishes while providing some vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamins A and C.

7. Kabsa Spice Mix (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: Approximately 10-20 kcal (depending on the blend)

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 2-4g (depending on the blend)

  - Protein: Approximately 0-1g (depending on the blend)

  - Fat: Approximately 0-1g (depending on the blend)

  - Sodium: Varies (depends on the blend)

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Varies based on the spices used

  - Minerals: Varies based on the spices used

  - Nutritional Benefit: The Kabsa spice mix adds flavor and aroma to the dish, and depending on the spices used, it may provide some health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties.

8. Chicken or Vegetable Broth (4 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 20-40 kcal (depending on whether it's homemade or store-bought)

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1-2g

  - Protein: Approximately 2-4g

  - Fat: Approximately 0-1g

  - Sodium: Varies (depends on the recipe or product)

  - Cholesterol: Varies (depends on whether it's homemade or store-bought)

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins, depending on the ingredients used

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of minerals, depending on the ingredients used

  - Nutritional Benefit: Chicken or vegetable broth adds flavor and moisture to the dish, and homemade broth may provide additional nutrients depending on the ingredients used.

9. Salt (to taste):

  - Sodium: Varies depending on the amount used

  - Nutritional Benefit: Salt enhances the flavor of the dish but should be used in moderation to control sodium intake.

10. Chopped Parsley or Cilantro (for garnish, optional):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Good source of vitamins A, C, and K (depending on the herb used)

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Parsley or cilantro adds freshness and color to the dish and may provide some vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin K and antioxidants.