Ramadan recipe: Kabsa – Saudi Arabian rice pilaf with chicken

J oin The National and Table Tales on a culinary journey around the Middle East to savour the quintessential dishes that embody the spirit of Ramadan. From table staples to family favourites, this series pays homage to the holy month and the home cook alike. Rice is a staple food in the Gulf countries. Its name in Arabic is ruz, but in the Khaleeji dialect it is aish, which means life. It is unimaginable to have most meals without rice, and there are usually a few different types to choose from. Hanan Sayed Worrell, of Table Tales, says: “Kabsa and its sister machboos, which can be claimed by the Emirates and Kuwait, are a cross between biryani and risotto, where the rice is cooked in the spiced broth of the meat or chicken, melding the spices and ingredients. “The real secret to the kabsa,” says Worrell, “is the spice mix bzar, the exact composition of which is a closely guarded secret in many families.” Recipe contributor Ashwaq Abdolmonem says: “Saudi cuisine is very diverse and distinct, influenced by our geography – from the coastal cities on the Red Sea and the southern tropical regions, to the eastern towns of the Arabian Gulf and the central desert region. “But if there were one dish that could be considered the national dish, it would have to be kabsa. The spices can be adjusted, so use this recipe as a guideline and adapt it to your taste.” Serves 4 to 6: Ingredients: Method: This dish has been brought to you by Ashwaq Abdolmonem, wife of the Saudi Arabia Ambassador to the UAE, and curated by international recipe hunter Hanan Sayed Worrell, author of Table Tales: The Global Nomad Cuisine of Abu Dhabi . The Table Tales concept celebrates the people and stories that give flavour to recipes of the Middle East. _______________ Read more: Ramadan recipes: daily dishes to try from the 'Table Tales' series Ramadan recipe: Sambousa puff – pastry with meat, cheese and herbs Ramadan recipe: kousa mahshi – stuffed courgettes in tomato sauce _______________

Ramadan recipe: Kabsa – Saudi Arabian rice pilaf with chicken

Throughout the holy month, 'The National' is teaming up with Table Tales to share daily recipes to experiment with at home