How Is the Saudi Kabsa Prepared?

Kabsa is a simple one-pot dish that is easy to prepare. For meat Kabsa, the cooking time is about an hour, while chicken Kabsa takes approximately twenty minutes. The process starts with chopping tomatoes and onions. Butter or oil is added to the pot, followed by spices like cinnamon and loomi, and the mixture is stirred for about ten minutes before adding hot water. The rice is soaked for thirty minutes, washed three times, and then combined with the meat or chicken in the pot. The dish is cooked on low heat for thirty to forty-five minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed. Separately, onions are sautéed until golden brown, and loomi powder with dried raisins is added for extra flavor. Traditionally, the dish was called Bazla, but it has recently become known as Bazar.

The Saudi Kabsa is at the forefront of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's traditional dishes and consists mainly of cooked rice mixed with meat or chicken. It is also the most diverse traditional dish in terms of cooking method, spices, and presentation.