Making Kabsah - A Traditional Arab Rice Dish

What is Kabsah?

Kabsah is a traditional Arab rice dish that is popular in the Middle East. It is made with long-grain rice, spices, and an array of vegetables and meats. This dish is typically served with a side of yogurt or a spicy sauce. It is a hearty meal that is sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make Kabsah include: 4 cups of long-grain rice, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 1 onion (chopped), 1 bell pepper (chopped), 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of coriander, 1 tablespoon of sumac, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1/2 pound of ground beef or lamb, 1/2 cup of raisins, and 1/4 cup of chopped almonds.

Instructions

To make Kabsah, begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add the cumin, coriander, sumac, turmeric, salt, garlic, and tomato paste and cook for an additional minute. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned. Add the cooked rice and raisins and stir until well combined.

Cooking the Rice

To cook the rice, bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a large pot. Add the rice and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. To assemble the dish, spread the cooked rice in a large serving dish and top with the cooked beef or lamb mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Kabsah is best served with a side of yogurt or a spicy sauce. To make a simple yogurt sauce, mix together 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 clove of garlic (minced), and salt and pepper to taste. Serve the Kabsah with the yogurt sauce and sprinkle with chopped almonds. Enjoy!