National Day Kabuli Feast
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes — 740 g (1.6 lb)
- Lamb, cut into large pieces — 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
- Onions, sliced — 3
- Carrots, julienned — 3
- Raisins — 150 g (5 oz)
- Slivered almonds — 70 g (2.5 oz)
- Ground cardamom — 2 tsp
- Cinnamon — 2 tsp
- Saffron threads, soaked in warm water — 1 tsp
- Oil — 120 ml (4 fl oz)
- Water or stock — 1.4 L (48 fl oz)
- Salt — to taste
Method
- Heat half the oil in a very large pot and fry the onions until deeply golden; remove half for garnish.
- Add the lamb to the pot with the remaining onions, and brown well on all sides.
- Add the cardamom, cinnamon and salt, then the water or stock, and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 1–1.5 hours until the lamb is very tender.
- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot along with the saffron water, ensuring it's just covered by liquid.
- Cover tightly and cook over low heat for 20–25 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Meanwhile, sauté the julienned carrot in the remaining oil until softened, then add the raisins and almonds, cooking briefly.
- Let the rice rest for 5 minutes, then fluff gently and top with the carrot-raisin-almond mixture and reserved fried onions before serving to the gathered celebration.
Introduction: A generous, festively prepared version of Omani kabuli rice with lamb, raisins and almonds, made for National Day celebrations and large family gatherings.
Cultural Background: Oman's National Day is marked with pride and generous hospitality, and scaling up a beloved dish like kabuli to feed a large gathering of family and friends reflects the celebratory, communal spirit of the occasion.
Tips: Cooking in a very large, wide pot helps the rice cook evenly when making a big batch for a crowd. Scale the spice quantities up confidently, tasting and adjusting as the dish comes together.
Variations: Add a few whole hard-boiled eggs as a festive garnish. Serve alongside a large Omani salad and fresh bread for a complete National Day spread.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of water, or in a microwave, until hot throughout.
FAQs:
Q: When is Omani National Day celebrated?
A: 18 November, commemorating the birthday of the late Sultan Qaboos and Oman's national renaissance, celebrated with festivities across the country.
Q: How many people does this festive batch serve?
A: This quantity comfortably serves 12–15 people as part of a larger celebratory spread.
- Basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes — 740 g (1.6 lb)
- Lamb, cut into large pieces — 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
- Onions, sliced — 3
- Carrots, julienned — 3
- Raisins — 150 g (5 oz)
- Slivered almonds — 70 g (2.5 oz)
- Ground cardamom — 2 tsp
- Cinnamon — 2 tsp
- Saffron threads, soaked in warm water — 1 tsp
- Oil — 120 ml (4 fl oz)
- Water or stock — 1.4 L (48 fl oz)
- Salt — to taste
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