Yemeni Bachelor Pad Kabsah — كبسة العزيبة اليمنيين المغتربين
July 3, 2012 by lamyaalmas
My husband Khaled cooks for me once a year. The very first time he made this Kabsah [it’s the only thing he really makes besides steak] I was blown away with its deliciousness. It is quick, easy and does not sacrifice taste. When I am crunched for time, this is what I usually make. I asked him where he learnt this and he told at the Yemeni Bachelor pad he stayed in before we got married. He added, “We made it every day! Different person every day but the same recipe.” What makes it convenient is that you can use any spice mix for this, but Hawayej Shirkah [mixture of ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamon, pepper, and sometimes turmeric] is the one typically used by Yemenis for this one. I am sure before Yemeni brothers migrate from Yemen their mothers, sisters or wives send them with a big bag of this mixed spice. But you can use any spice mix–Garam Masala or even Biryani mixes work equally well. They usually use one pot that they can start on the stove and then place in the oven.
You will need [serves 4] :
1) 1 chicken or 1 lb of lamb cut into medium pieces. If you are using lamb then boil it until it is well done.
2) 1 cup and a 1/2 of rice half boiled [which means boiled until almost done, but not quite]
3) 1 tsp and a 1/2 of the spice mix of your choice
4) 2 clovers of garlic roughly crushed
5) 1 tomato roughly chopped
6) 1 green chilly pepper roughly chopped
7) 1 tblsp of cilantro roughly chopped
8) 2 medium potatoes quartered
9) yellow / orange rice coloring
10) medium onion roughly chopped into slices
11) 2-3 tbslp of oil
Alright let’s begin! In the pot, under medium high heat, add the onion slices and let brown a little. Then add the oil and potatoes. When the onion has browned, add the meat, garlic, spice, tomatoes, green chilly, and cilantro. Let cook for 5 minutes and then add 1 cup of water and let cook until the potato is almost done [but not quite]. Layer all the rice on top. Sprinkle a little of the food coloring and about 2 tbslp of water and place in oven for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s done. Serve hot with your favorite salad.
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Posted in Chicken, Red Meat, Rice | 21 Comments
A Yemeniyah's Recipes 
Im excited to try this. Mashallah your husband can make rice the only thing my husband cooks is plain eggs! which is better than not knowing anything. where can i get the red/yellow rice coloring from?
Salaam Nancy–
Yes Alhamdullilah he can make rice and some other stuff WHEN and IF he wants to. Or else he just compliments me and says that i am the best cook to get me in the kitchen.
I use the yellow one, and you can get it and all other colors from any Indian [South Asian] store. Saffron also works out great if you have some. Soak the saffron in water before use. Then use the saffron and the water.
Lamya
Salam…im eager to try this recipe. Wanted to ask regarding boiling the lamb. Do you put anything in the pot when boiling? Any spices? Also when put in the oven.. does it need to be covered with aluminum?
Salaam Yasmin–
No i usually don’t put anything in the water when boiling the lamb. Some people like to put in peppercorns, cardamon, bay leaf, and even onions. But remember this is a bachelor pad recipe [my husband’s], and can’t get any simpler and tastier as is insha Allah.
Hi, what kind of rice do you or your husband use? I used to work with Yemenise men and they would always bring this dish for us at work. SOOOOO happy I can finally attempt to make it myself.
My husband uses Basmati. It’s readily available, so insha Allah you can make it and enjoy it Amina.
Lamya
Does the pot have to be covered when put in the oven? Aluminium foil?
Yes, it has to be Insha Allah.
Lamya
for the yellow seasoning try sazon goya
Thank you for the suggestion Mohammed. My brother introduced it to me the last time he visited me from Yemen. I do sometimes.
Lamya
As salaamu alykum Lamya. It has been a long time since I posted. I was wondering if you could give specific amounts for the Hawaij. I have seen a recipe online for it before and it was definitely wrong! In sanaa women sell it all over the place with bisbas or without. But even the without seems to be with!!!!
Aaisha Wa Alaikum Assalam —
I just saw this. Sorry/ Please clarify your question. Do you want to make a Hawayij mixture? Is that what you are asking for?
Let me know.
Lamya
Salam Sister!
When you put the chicken in the oven, is the chicken already cooked all the way through or half way through?
Thank you!!!
Wa Alaikum Assalaam Sister Fatima–
Yes, it is cooked through. The potatoes aren’t.
You’re very welcome. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Lamya
It wasn’t me who asked back in December but I do want to make a Hawayij mixture with the ingredients you mentioned, what would be the quantities? When I lived in Yemen (as a foreigner) kind neighbours always gave me the mix and I never learned how to make it myself!
How long do u boil the lamb?
Sorry! I was on vacation.
Boil it until it is well done.
Lamya
My famliy went a yemen restaurant it was very good i had zorbian rice i woud like to know if you are familiar with it and to send mm the recipe thank you mariam
Mariam Assalaam Alaikum,
The recipe for Zorbiyan is on my blog. Look under “Rice” or “Yemeni Dishes”
Lamya
Do I double the water to rhe chicken if I only want to double the rice?
Your question is not clear.