Machboos

Machboos, also known as Kabsa or Machbus, is a traditional rice dish widely popular across the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions. It is considered a national dish in Saudi Arabia and is also a staple in countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates.

The core of machboos is a flavorful rice, typically long-grain like basmati, cooked with a mixture of aromatic spices. The spices commonly used include cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, dried lime (loomi), and nutmeg. The star of the dish is the protein, which is most often chicken or lamb, though fish, shrimp, and even goat are also used. The meat is usually boiled or stewed until tender, and its broth is then used to cook the rice, infusing it with rich flavor.

Vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, and sometimes carrots or potatoes are often incorporated into the dish. The final preparation typically involves layering the cooked meat over the spiced rice. It is frequently garnished with toasted nuts, especially almonds and pine nuts, and raisins, adding a textural contrast and a touch of sweetness. Machboos is a celebratory dish, often served at family gatherings, feasts, and special occasions. Its preparation can vary slightly from region to region and even from family to family, leading to a diverse range of delicious interpretations.