Savor the flavor of Saudi Arabia

 This week we are visiting Saudi Arabia and preparing one of its most traditional dishes, Al-Kabsa, or Chicken and Rice. This recipe serves eight people.

Al-Kabsa

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces butter
• 3 pounds chicken, cut up into pieces
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 4 ounces tomato puree
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron
• 1/4 teaspoon green cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 1/2 cups basmati rice
• 4 ounces raisins
• 4 ounces slivered almonds
• 1 teaspoon grated lime zest

 Putting it together:

 Melt butter in a large Dutch oven. Add chicken, onion and garlic and sauté over medium heat until onion is tender. Stir in the tomato puree and simmer over low heat for two minutes. Add tomatoes, carrots, all the spices, salt, pepper and chicken broth and cook for about 30 minutes.

 Add the rice and raisins and cook for another 30 minutes, or until rice is done. Serve on a large platter, garnished with the slivered almonds and the lime zest, and enjoy.

 Antonio Villagomez is head chef and owner of Cilantro's restaurant and catering in Yuba City, Calif. Contact him at 530-844-2111.