Bahraini Citrus Kabsa

Introduction to Bahraini Citrus Kabsa

Kabsa is a beloved dish that is deeply ingrained in the culinary heritage of the Arabian Peninsula. Originating from Yemen, this rice-based dish has found its way into the hearts and homes of Bahrainis, where unique local twists have created the delightful Bahraini Citrus Kabsa. This variant of the traditional Kabsa incorporates tangy citrus flavors, making it both refreshing and richly savory.

Though Kabsa can be found throughout the region, each country brings its own flair to the dish, and Bahrain is no exception. The Bahraini Citrus Kabsa is known for its vibrant taste thanks to the addition of locally grown lemons and oranges, perfectly complementing the aromatic spices.

Ingredients

• Chicken - 1 whole, cut into pieces
• Basmati rice - 2 cups
• Onions - 2, thinly sliced
• Garlic cloves - 4, minced
• Tomatoes - 3, chopped
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Cloves - 4
• Cardamom pods - 4
• Cinnamon stick - 1
• Bay leaf - 1
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
• Lemon - 1, juiced and zested
• Orange - 1, juiced and zested
• Raisins - 1/2 cup
• Almonds - 1/2 cup, toasted
• Saffron strands - a pinch, soaked in warm water
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Start by soaking the basmati rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Cut the chicken into serving-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the citrus by juicing the lemon and orange, and zest the peels. Keep these separate for easy use during cooking.
4. Slice the onions and mince the garlic cloves.

Cooking the Kabsa

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are soft and translucent.
2. Add the garlic and stir for a minute until it becomes fragrant.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown on all sides. This will take about 8-10 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for another 5 minutes.
5. Next, add the cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf to the mixture, stirring to combine the flavors thoroughly.
6. Pour in the citrus juices from the lemon and orange, along with the zests, allowing them to combine with the spices.
7. Add the soaked basmati rice and enough water to cover the ingredients. Usually, 4 cups of water should suffice.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil and then lower the heat. Cover the pot and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid. You can use a cooking timer to keep track.
9. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the dish with the soaked saffron strands for added aroma and color.

Final Touches and Serving

Once the rice is cooked, remove the kabsa from the heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to mix all the flavorful elements evenly. Top with raisins and toasted almonds just before serving to add texture and taste.

Enjoying Bahraini Citrus Kabsa

Bahraini Citrus Kabsa is best enjoyed with family and friends, allowing the communal aspect of Middle Eastern dining to come alive. This vibrant dish pairs beautifully with sides like yogurt salad or fresh vegetables to balance out the richness of the kabsa. To enhance the experience, serve it with traditional Bahraini tea or a cool glass of lemon water.