Kabsa is an exotic rice and chicken dish made by cooking the rice in a mixture of spices infused chicken/mutton broth. It has been originated from Saudi Arabia and is known as the national Dish of many Gulf Countries. It is also known as Majboos in some places.
The first time I get to taste Kabsa is at Febi's (hubster's cousin) home when she invited us for lunch. I adored the flavors infused in the chicken and rice and when asked she said it was one of the easiest recipe to prepare. As she said this is indeed an easy one pot recipe which you can prepare easily when you have guests at home. It basically needs certain spices, tomatoes and the Kabsa spice mix. Unlike biriyani, Kabsa doesn't need much of chopping and neither is it time consuming. Compared to Biriyani I have felt Kabsa, Mandi and Bukhari rice are easier to prepare.
Since the vacation has begun from last sunday, it will be a tough time for the kids for the coming 2 months. As for the previous years they had always spent there vacation in India with thier grand parents. I have never seen my elder one sad during the vacations. Nowadays he is a bit dull. even yesterday I saw him sad and when checked he said that it was because he wasn't able to go for the vacation and he is missing my pappa. Now thats the same case with us too. How I miss my parents and my home. But this time with Covid-19, we have no choice. Since the Covid-lockdown measures have been eased since last 2 weeks, now I need to keep the kids busy with some activities. Of Course cooking is always a part of vacation activities for the kids. Last vacation they had enjoyed preparing the dosas, cookies and cakes and then they also learned how to break an egg, though 2 or 3 eggs had to be thrown into the dustbin. Its all a part of learning, so no worries. Unlike certain people who meddles and finds fault in everything and says boys aren't supposed to enter the kitchen or do house chores, I would say we should teach the kids the basics from a younger age rather than advising them once they are adults. Boy and girls should equally be taught the basic stuffs at home. So in the coming days do expect my boys cooking recipes too.
INGREDIENTS:
Oil - 3 Tbsp
Onion - 2 (sliced)
Bay Leaves - 3
Cinnamon sticks - 2 to 3
Cardamom - 5
Dried Lemon - 1
Coriander Seeds - 1 tsp
Cumin - 1 tsp
Garlic - 1 Tbsp (chopped)
Kabsa Powder - 2 Tbsp
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
Cumin Powder - 1/4 tsp
Tomato Paste - 1 Tbsp
Tomato Puree - 2 big tomatoes
Chicken - 1 kg (cut into 4 pieces, with skin)
Chilies - 5 (slit)
Maggi Chicken Cube - 1
Water - 5 cups
Salt - As required
Butter - 50 g and 2 Tbsp (for applying on the chicken)
Rice - 3 Cups
DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oil in a pan, Saute Onions until it turns translucent.
2. Add in Bay Leaves, cardamom, cinnamon sticks and dried lemon. Saute until well mixed.
3. Add in cumin, coriander seeds, chopped garlic, turmeric powder and cumin powder and saute for a while.
4. Add the tomato paste and then the chicken. Cook the chicken for 5 min and then flip and cook the other side.
5. Add in the tomato puree, chicken cube and chilies.
6. Once the above ingredients are mixed well. Add a cup of water.
7. Cook until the chicken is well cooked.
8. After the chicken is cooked, remove from the stock.
9. Into the same pan containing the stock, add remaining 4 cups of water, salt and butter. Once the water starts boiling, add rice into it and cover the pan until the rice is fully cooked.
10. Meanwhile the rice is cooking apply some butter on both sides of the cooked chicken. Grill the Chicken until its both sides turn golden brown.
11. Fluff the rice and place it into a serving dish. Place the grilled chicken on top of the rice and sprinkle toasted almonds and raisins on top.
Comments