This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August 2007)

Kabsa (Arabic: كبسة‎) is a family of rice dishes that are served mostly in Saudi Arabia - where it is commonly regarded as a national dish - and the other Arab states of the Persian Gulf. In places like Qatar ,Bahrain and Kuwait the dish is popularly known as Majboos (Arabic: مجبوس‎) and in the United Arab Emirates as Machboos (Arabic: مكبوس‎), served mostly in the same way.

These dishes are mainly made from a mixture of spices, rice (usually long-grain basmati), meat and vegetables. There are many kinds of Kabsa and each kind has a uniqueness about it. Pre-mixed Kabsa spices are now available under several brand names. These reduce preparation time but may have a flavour 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. The main ingredient that accompanies the spices is the meat, such as chicken, goat, lamb, camel, or sometimes beef, fish, and shrimp. In chicken machboos, a whole chicken is used. The spices, rice and meat may be augmented with Almonds, Pine nuts, Onions and Tomatoes. The dish can be garnished with Hashu (Arabic: حشو‎) and served hot with Dakkous (Arabic: دقوس‎) - homemade tomato sauce.

Meat for Kabsa can be cooked in various ways. A popular way of preparing meat is called Mandi. This is an ancient technique, whereby meat is barbecued in a deep hole in the ground that is 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, Madghoot, involves cooking the meat in a Pressure cooker.

[edit] See also

• Mandi (food)
• Biryani
• Pilaf

[edit] External links

• Saudi Cooking

This Arab cuisine-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v • d • e