Kabsa Spice Mix

Kabsa Spice Mix

A wonderful homemade Kabsa Spice Mix to use in a variety of dishes, Not just Kabsa Rice. I will be sharing links to recipes using this Spice Mix on this Page. Also, scroll down to the bottom to see the basic guide on how to prepare Kabsa using any Kabsa Spice Mix.

What is Kabsa?

Kabsa is a one-pot mixed rice dish originating from Saudi Arabia but popular all over the Gulf. The simplicity in cooking and taste makes this popular, not only with Arabs but the vast population of ex-pats living in the Gulf, especially in the Indian sub-continent and parts of South East Asia like Philipines, Indonesia and Malaysia. People have carried the flavour and a variety of spin-off dishes have been popularized in other places.

In the Malabar region, for example, where there is a huge number of people living in the gulf and returning to start their own businesses, Kabsa Spice is very common in the Kitchen pantry and used to make Malabar versions of Kabsa.

Kabsa is mostly made with long grain Basmati rice. There are several varieties of Kabsa and each has its unique distinct flavour. The basic day-to-day Kabsa in a Saudi household is a simple dish that can be made in one pot. However, there are more complicated versions as well. Pre-mix Kabsa Spice is now readily available everywhere. Each brand will yield a different flavour, just as each Saudi Home has its own unique recipe. The spices used in Kabsa are largely responsible for the flavour of Kabsa. Black pepper, coriander seeds, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and Black (dried) lime is almost always used.

The meats are mostly chicken, goat, lamb but fish, shrimp and even camel meat are used. Garnishing is done with nuts such as Pinenuts or Almonds and Sultanas. Kabsa is often served with Dakkous, (a type of tomato salsa or cooked chutney).

Similar to Kabsa, are Majboos and Mandi Rice. I have several recipes here on my blog.

Chicken Kabsa – more steps involved in this one, but yummy uses simple spice additions and does not need a premade mix.

Chicken Kabsa 2 – Very yummy and tasty Kabsa, made with Kabsa Spice Mix ( You can use store-bought or my Kabsa spice mix for this)

Mutton Kabsa – So delicious. This recipe can be made in Pressure cooker or instant pot

Shrimp Kabsa – for seafood lovers. This Kabsa is often, optionally served baked in hollow Bell Peppers.

Simple Kabsa – The easy version for lazy days.

A simple Dakkous (cooked tomato chutney often served with Kabsa) recipe is included in this post for Mutton Mandi

Salata Hara – An Arabian style simple Salsa that goes great with all rice dishes.

A basic guide on HOW TO USE KABSA SPICE MIX TO MAKE KABSA RICE. This is for 1 kg of chicken or mutton. Feel free to browse through the recipe links above, for more detailed variations of Kabsa.

1. Soak Basmati rice (4 cups) in water after rinsing thoroughly – for 30 minutes.
2. Heat 200 ml oil. Stir-fry 2 medium onions(sliced) till very light golden.
3. Add meat. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Add 6-8 cloves of garlic(minced) and saute for 1-2 minutes more.
4. Add 5 medium-sized tomatoes(chopped). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes,
5. Now, add approximately 2 oz of the Kabsa Spice Mix, 1-2 Tbsp tomato paste and stir.
6. Add 5 cups of water. Bring to a good boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and cook for 35 minutes (Chicken) or,  45 minutes (Mutton); or till meat is tender.
7. Add 4 cups Basmati (pre-soaked and drained ). Increase heat and bring to boil then reduce heat to low again. Cover tightly with lid (and a layer of aluminium foil). Cook exactly 15 minutes on low heat.
8. Remove lid. (Note: In case the rice is not tender yet, sprinkle ½ cup of HOT water over it. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or till the rice are tender)
9. Gently toss the rice and transfer to a serving platter. Place the meat pieces on top. Garnish as desired.

What can I make with Kabsa Spice Mix other than Kabsa Rice?

I have created a series of recipes that incorporate my Homemade Kabsa Spice mix.  You can find this series of  ‘stove-top flame-grilled recipes’ in my ‘ fi Har ‘ Series.

Scroll down for the Complete Recipe.

Kabsa Spice Mix

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Watch the Video or click to read Complete Recipe – Below. 

If you would like to check out the INSTANT KABSA SPICE MIX INSTEAD(Basic spices and small quantity for one or two uses) – Check out my youtube shorts – Instant Kabsa Spice Mix

How to make Kabsa Spice Mix- Recipe at a glance:

• Gather and measure spices.
• Toast most spices together in a pan, till fragrant.
• Add remaining spices to hot mix.
• Grind to a powder. Wait till cooled. Store in an airtight glass jar.

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp (10 gms) Coriander seeds
•  1 1/4 Tbsp ( 5 gms) Cumin seeds
• 1 Tbsp  (5 gm) Balck peppercorns
• 1 Tbsp (5 gm) Fennel seeds
• 1 tsp (2 gms) Cloves
• 2 two-inch quills (6 gms) Cinnamon
• 4 Black CardamomÂ
• 4 Green Cardamom
• 2 Black (dried) Lime
• 1/2 tsp white pepper powder
• 1 tsp Paprika or Mild chilli powder
• 1 Tbsp Black stone flower / Shaiba leaves / Dagad phool / Kalpasi / Dried
• 1/4 tsp ground Ginger
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder

It is recommended that you open the recipe page and keep this page going if you like to WATCH / LISTEN to the video alongside the written instructions.

Key Ingredients: Mixed Whole Spices.

EAT AND TELL!!! Let us know if you tried –  Kabsa Spice Mix