Logo Be an Angel final Transparent
Donate

Syrian Christmas Kabse Recipe

Our Christmas Kabse is a Syrian holiday dish full of warmth, spices, and tradition. Made with rice, tender meat or a vegan option, orange, and cranberries, it brings Middle Eastern flavor to your festive table. Created by our chefs from Damascus, this recipe celebrates community, hospitality, and the spirit of sharing.
MeetTheVisionaries min

What is Kabse?

Kabse is Syria’s national dish and is traditionally prepared for holidays and festive occasions. There are various regional versions across Syria. Our version comes from the head chefs of Kreuzberger Himmel, both from Damascus, who adapted the recipe to German tastes and created this special Christmas variation.

Kabse not only tastes wonderful, it also represents hospitality, warmth, and Syrian traditions.

Ingredients:

  • 200 g basmati rice

  • 300 g chicken or lamb (for a vegan version, use cooked brown lentils or cooked chickpeas)

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped

  • 2 tomatoes, diced

  • Vegetable oil for frying

  • 500 ml vegetable or chicken broth

  • 100 ml orange juice and some grated orange zest

  • Spices: cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, ground cloves, paprika, salt, pepper

  • Garnish: dried cranberries, roasted almonds, and orange slices

Recipe:

  1. Heat oil in a large pot and sauté the diced onion until translucent or lightly golden.
  2. Add the meat and fry until it begins to brown.
  3. Add garlic and tomatoes (and carrot cubes if desired) and sauté briefly.
  4. Stir in the spices (cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, paprika, cloves, a bit of orange zest).
  5. Add the rice and lightly toast it so it absorbs the spices.
  6. Pour in the broth and stir well. Add the cranberries and orange juice, then bring to a boil.
  7. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
  8. Serve on a plate and garnish with cranberries, roasted nuts, and orange slices.

Refugees cook for the homeless

A humanitarian project by Oliver Rihs, Be an Angel e.V., Kreuzberger Himmel and Berliner Kältehilfe

Read More
EssenfuerObdachlosen 6 min