Simple Kabsa | Chicken Kabsa

basmati rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: long-grain rice

Quinoa is a healthier grain option, while long-grain rice is often more affordable.

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner, while chicken thighs are usually less expensive than whole chicken.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits, and canola oil is budget-friendly.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasonings

Vegetable broth is a lighter option, and using seasoned water is cost-effective.

Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a large pot.

Add 1 and 1/2 cups of sliced onions and allow to sweat without browning.

Place chicken pieces over the onions, skin side down, and fry for 1 minute undisturbed.

Toss the chicken gently and fry until golden brown, tossing occasionally to prevent onions from sticking.

Crush a whole bulb of garlic and add it to the pot after the chicken is golden.

Add 2 tablespoons of spice mix and 1 teaspoon of salt, tossing well to coat the chicken.

Add the crushed garlic and cook until the raw smell is gone, about 1 minute.

Add 1 and 1/4 tablespoons of tomato paste and toss to coat.

Add a 400g can of peeled tomatoes and heat through.

Add 2 cups of hot water or stock and bring to a boil.

Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes.

Open the pot and add the drained rice on top.

Add a little less than 4 cups of water, along with 2 dried limes.

Bring to a boil again and add about 3 teaspoons of salt, stirring gently.

Cover and cook on low until the water is absorbed, keeping an eye on it.

Optionally, remove the chicken pieces and place them under a preheated broiler for about 8 minutes for crispier skin.

Continue cooking the rice until the water is absorbed, listening for a crackling noise to indicate it's done.

Remove the dried limes once the rice is cooked and leave it covered for around 30 minutes.

Place the chicken pieces over the rice and garnish with toasted pine nuts, sliced boiled egg, and chopped coriander or parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: