Kabuli Madani Rice

A luxurious main dish popular in Arabic cuisine, often served at feasts and special occasions. This dish combines aromatic Arabic and Indian spices—saffron, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon—with tender meat or chicken and long-grain Basmati rice.

Cooking Time: 60 minutes

Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 2 onions, chopped

• 2 tbsp orange peel, chopped

• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 kg chicken thighs

• 1 tsp cardamom pods

• 1 tsp cloves

• 2 tbsp dried Madani rose petals

• Hot water, as needed

• 3 potatoes, halved

• 2 cups Basmati rice, parboiled

• 1/4 cup saffron coloring

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until soft and golden.

2. Add the orange peel and stir with the onions, then add the tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for a few minutes.

3. Add the chicken and stir until its color changes.

4. Season with cardamom, cloves, and dried Madani rose petals, stirring well.

5. Pour in enough hot water to cover the ingredients, add the potatoes, cover the pot, and cook for 25 minutes.

6. Add the parboiled rice, cover again, and cook until the rice is fully done.

7. Sprinkle the saffron coloring on top and gently mix before serving.

Serve hot and enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of Kabuli Madani Rice.