| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 429 | 8g | 1g | 80g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 5g | 10g | 0.4g |
Why I Love Saudi Arabian Vegetable Kabsa with Fragrant Basmati Rice
One of the indulgences I relish the most is exploring cuisines from all corners of the globe. From the vibrant streets of Havana to the busy tapas bars in Barcelona, my food journey is heavily flavored with Cuban and Spanish influences. However, my most recent culinary infatuation isn’t routed in my roots. It swoops in from the heart of Saudi Arabia – Vegetable Kabsa with Fragrant Basmati Rice.
A Culinary Love Letter to Saudi Arabia
Kabsa, a dish beloved by all in Saudi Arabia, usually is a meaty affair incorporated with rice. However, my interpretation of it morphs into a lavish showcase of garden bounty. Each mouthful of Vegetable Kabsa with Fragrant Basmati Rice is a symphony of textures and flavors, amplifying the song of nature. I can’t vouch for an inspiring chef every time, but my rendition hails inspiration from chef Yotam Ottolenghi, who has an uncanny knack to make vegetables the star of the plate. His less-is-more approach, a little less in meat and a little more in vegetables, unlocks an entirely new flavor spectrum.
International Flavors on a Familiar Stage
This recipe parallels the essence of Spanish Paella Vegetariana and Caribbean vegetable stews, but with a distinctive middle eastern charm. The familiar melody of sauteéd onions and garlic harmonize with exotic notes of saffron, coriander, cumin, and cardamom – their aroma so intoxicating that you would wish to bottle them. The final garnishing of toasted almonds and fresh coriander crowning the mound of flavorful Basmati rice, bespeckled with brightly colored vegetables, is the grand crescendo of this aromatic symphony.
Vegetable Kabsa with Fragrant Basmati Rice calls for a backdrop as appreciable as the dish itself. Pairing it with a zingy Pomegranate salad or a cool Tabbouleh salad makes for a meal that is both healthful and satisfying.
Every time I’m stirring the pot of this dish, my Miami kitchen transforms into a bustling Saudi Arabian marketplace. It’s more than just a recipe to me. It embodies a form of escapism, transporting you to an exotic realm, and helping us appreciate the world’s culinary heritage while sitting in our own homes.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron strands, soaked in 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander, chopped
Method
Step One
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and lightly browned.
Step Two
Stir in the minced garlic, chopped carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and green beans. Cook for about 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape.
Step Three
In a separate pot, bring the vegetable stock to a boil. Add the basmati rice and cook according to the package instructions.
Step Four
Add the saffron strands that have been soaked in hot water to the pot of vegetables. Mix in the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric powder, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
Step Five
Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes, and allow it to simmer for around 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to fully combine.
Step Six
Once the rice is cooked, mix it into the pot of vegetables and spices. Be gentle to not break the rice grains.
Step Seven
Final touches – Sprinkle the raisins, toasted slivered almonds, and fresh chopped coriander over the Kabsa. Gently mix to incorporate or leave them on top as garnishing.
Your Vegetable Kabsa with Fragrant Basmati Rice is ready to serve and enjoy!
