Description
Machboos, also known as Kabsa, is a traditional Arabian rice dish made with spiced meat (such as chicken, lamb, or beef) cooked with basmati rice, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of aromatic spices. The dish offers a delightful balance of savory flavors and is perfect for family meals or festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces (or use your preferred protein)
2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
4 cups chicken broth (or water)
2 medium onions, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 cup vegetable oil or ghee
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
4–5 cardamom pods, crushed
4–5 cloves
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon saffron threads (optional, soaked in warm water)
1 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
For garnish: Fresh cilantro, chopped; Fried onions (optional); Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
Sear the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear on all sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the base: In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Add the spices: Add cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cardamom pods, cloves, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Stir for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Cook the tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until softened and juicy.
- Simmer the chicken: Return the chicken to the pot, add the broth (or water), bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
- Cook the rice: Rinse basmati rice under cold water. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it and set aside. Add the rice to the pot with the broth and spices. Stir in saffron water (if using), bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Combine the chicken and rice: Fluff the rice, return the chicken on top, cover, and steam for another 10 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, fried onions, and lemon wedges. Serve hot with yogurt or a side salad.
Notes
- Lamb Machboos: Substitute chicken with lamb and adjust the cooking time for tenderness.
- Vegetarian Machboos: Use vegetables like carrots, peas, bell peppers, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Seafood Machboos: Replace chicken with shrimp or fish fillets for a seafood version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish, Arabian Cuisine
- Method: Simmering, Searing
- Cuisine: Arabian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
