| Kabsa Arabic: كبسة | |
| Region: | Arabian Peninsula |
| Course: | Meal |
| Main Ingredient: | Rice (usually long-grain, almost always basmati), chicken, vegetables, and a mixture of spices (cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, black lime, bay leaves and nutmeg) |
| Variations: | Machboos (Arabic: مكبوس/مچبوس|makbūs/machbūs) |
| Name Lang: | ar |
Kabsa (Arabic: كبسة kabsah) or makbūs/machbūs (Arabic: مكبوس/مچبوس Gulf pron.: pronounced as /[mɑtʃˈbuːs]/) is an Arab mixed rice dish that originates from Saudi Arabia[1] [2] [3] or Yemen. It is commonly regarded as a national dish in all the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. It can also be found in regions such as southern Iran and Gaza in Palestine.[4]
Historically, Kabsa was prepared by Bedouin tribes who roamed the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula. They relied on simple ingredients that were readily available: rice, meat (usually lamb or chicken), and a blend of spices.
Over time, as trade routes expanded and new ingredients became accessible, variations of kabsa began to emerge.
Today, it’s acknowledged that each region in Saudi Arabia has its own unique version of Kabsa. Despite these differences, the essence remains—the combination of rice, meat and aromatic spices cooked together.[5]
The name comes from the word kabasa (Arabic: كبس), literally meaning to press or squeeze, alluding to the technique used in the cooking where the ingredients are all cooked in (or "squeezed into") one pot.
These dishes, of which there are many variations, are usually made with rice (usually basmati), meat, vegetables, and a mixture of spices.
Pre-mixed kabsa spices are now available under several brand names. These reduce preparation time, but may have a flavor distinct from traditional kabsa. The spices used in kabsa are largely responsible for its taste; these are generally black pepper, cloves, cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, black lime, bay leaves and nutmeg.[6]
The main ingredient that accompanies the spices is the meat. The meats used are usually chicken, goat, lamb, camel, beef, fish or shrimp. In chicken machbūs, a whole chicken is used.
The spices, rice, and meat may be augmented with almonds, pine nuts, peanuts, onions, and sultanas.[7] The dish can be garnished with ḥashū (Arabic: حشو) and served hot with daqqūs (Arabic: دقّوس), which is a home-made Arabic tomato sauce.
Meat for kabsa can be cooked in various ways. A popular way of preparing meat is called mandi. This ancient technique originates from Hadramout[8] and involves a type of earth oven whereby meat is barbecued in a deep hole in the ground that is then covered while the meat cooks. Another way of preparing and serving meat for kabsa is mathbi, where seasoned meat is grilled on flat stones that are placed on top of burning embers. A third technique, madghūt, involves cooking the meat in a pressure cooker. All of these techniques originate from Yemen.