RecipesLibyaLibyan Chicken and Rice Kabsa

Libyan Chicken and Rice Kabsa

A fragrant and flavorful one-pot rice dish featuring tender chicken, aromatic spices, and often garnished with nuts and raisins.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Libyan Chicken and Rice Kabsa - Libya traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1 kg Chicken(cut into pieces)
  • 500 g Basmati rice(rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes)
  • 1 large Onion(chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 4 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 800 ml Chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp Kabsa spice mix((cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, coriander, cumin, dried lime))
  • 1 tsp Turmeric
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 50 g Almonds(slivered, toasted (for garnish))
  • 30 g Raisins((for garnish))

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides.

  2. 2

    Remove chicken and set aside. Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down.

  4. 4

    Return chicken to the pot. Add Kabsa spice mix, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken.

  5. 5

    Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld.

  6. 6

    Add the rinsed and soaked basmati rice to the pot. Ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a little more hot water or broth.

  7. 7

    Bring back to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

  8. 8

    Let the kabsa rest, covered, for 10 minutes off the heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

  9. 9

    Serve hot, garnished with toasted slivered almonds and raisins.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Ensure the rice is evenly distributed in the pot for consistent cooking.
  • Adjust the amount of spices to your preference.
  • Soaking the rice helps it cook more evenly and absorb flavors better.

🔄 Variations

  • Add chopped bell peppers or carrots along with the onions.
  • Use lamb or beef instead of chicken.
  • For a spicier version, add a chopped chili pepper.

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