🍽️ How to Make Traditional Saudi Lamb Kabsa

If you're a fan of authentic Gulf flavors, then Lamb Kabsa is a must-try dish! It’s one of the most popular and delicious meals in Saudi Arabia, especially during gatherings and special occasions. In this post, I’ll share with you a simple and flavorful recipe for Lamb Kabsa, rich with aromatic spices and traditional taste.

📋 Ingredients:

1 kg lamb (preferably with bone)
2 cups basmati rice (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
2 large onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tomatoes, grated
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 dried limes (loomi)
Kabsa spices: 1 tsp each of cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, paprika
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
Salt to taste
Hot water as needed

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

In a large pot, heat the ghee or oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add minced garlic and stir, then add grated tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook until well combined.
Add the lamb pieces and stir with the spices. Then add loomi, bay leaves, and the ground kabsa spices.
Pour in enough hot water to cover the meat. Cover the pot and let it simmer over low heat until the lamb is tender (about 1 to 1.5 hours).
Once the meat is cooked, add the drained rice on top of the broth. Make sure the water level just covers the rice (about 1 cm above).
Let the mixture boil until the rice absorbs most of the water, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook until the rice is fully done (around 20–25 minutes).

🌟 Serving Suggestion:

Serve the kabsa on a large platter, garnished with roasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts. It goes perfectly with yogurt salad or spicy tomato sauce (daqoos) for a complete Saudi-style meal.

💡 Chef’s Tip:

For the best flavor, use lamb broth instead of plain water to cook the rice. If possible, marinate the meat with spices for 1–2 hours before cooking.

📌 Have You Tried This Recipe?

Share your experience in the comments or send us a photo of your delicious Lamb Kabsa! 😍
And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and loved ones ❤️

🍽️ How to Make Traditional Saudi Lamb Kabsa