Kabsa with Shrimp and Tomato Salsa

Ingredients

– 1.5 cups long-grain basmati rice
– 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp rich extra virgin olive oil
– 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp warm baharat spice blend
– 1 tsp earthy ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoky paprika
– 2 cups rich chicken broth
– 1/4 cup vibrant tomato paste
– 2 ripe plum tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 tbsp zesty lime juice
– 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Rinse 1.5 cups long-grain basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear, then drain completely. Tip: This removes excess starch for fluffier rice.
2. Heat 2 tbsp rich extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
3. Add 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced, and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
4. Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add 1 lb large raw shrimp and sear for 2 minutes per side until pink and lightly browned.
6. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
7. To the same pot, add 1 tbsp warm baharat spice blend, 1 tsp earthy ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoky paprika, toasting for 30 seconds until aromatic.
8. Stir in 1/4 cup vibrant tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
9. Add the rinsed rice and toss to coat in the spiced oil for 1 minute.
10. Pour in 2 cups rich chicken broth and bring to a boil over high heat.
11. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Tip: Don’t peek—steam escape can make rice gummy.
12. While rice cooks, combine 2 ripe plum tomatoes, diced, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, 1 tbsp zesty lime juice, and 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt in a bowl for the salsa.
13. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then gently fold the seared shrimp back into the pot. Tip: Folding preserves shrimp texture without breaking them.
14. Heat through for 2 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked and warm.
The fluffy, spice-infused rice contrasts beautifully with the juicy shrimp and bright tomato salsa. Serve it family-style with extra lime wedges for squeezing over top, letting everyone customize their plate with fresh salsa and tangy citrus.