is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with rice, vegetables, and meat, all cooked together and flipped upside down before serving. It’s a flavorful and visually impressive dish!
Ingredients
For the Meat:
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500g (1 lb) lamb or chicken (bone-in pieces)
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1 large onion (quartered)
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4 cups water (for boiling)
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2 bay leaves
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4 cardamom pods
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1 cinnamon stick
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
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2 cups basmati rice (rinsed until water runs clear, soaked 30 minutes)
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½ teaspoon turmeric
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½ teaspoon cinnamon
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1 teaspoon salt
For the Vegetables:
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2 medium eggplants (sliced into 1 cm rounds)
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1 large potato (sliced into rounds)
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1 large carrot (sliced)
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1 medium cauliflower (cut into florets)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For Assembly:
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2 tablespoons ghee or butter
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¼ teaspoon ground cumin
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¼ teaspoon ground coriander
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½ teaspoon paprika
For Garnish:
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Toasted almonds or pine nuts
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Fresh parsley (chopped)
Execution
👨🍳 (Cooking Instructions)
Step 1: Cook the Meat
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In a large pot, place the meat, onion, bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
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Cover with water and bring to a boil.
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Simmer for 30-40 minutes (chicken) or 1.5-2 hours (lamb) until tender.
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Remove the meat and strain the broth, reserving it for later.
Step 2: Fry the Vegetables
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Heat oil in a pan and fry the eggplant slices until golden. Drain on paper towels.
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Fry the potato slices until golden. Repeat with carrots and cauliflower.
Step 3: Assemble the Maqluba
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In a large pot, add ghee or butter.
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Layer the cooked meat at the bottom.
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Arrange the fried vegetables over the meat.
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Mix the drained rice with turmeric, cinnamon, salt, cumin, and paprika, then spread it evenly over the vegetables.
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Pour the reserved broth (about 3 cups) over the rice. The liquid should just cover the rice.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
Step 4: Flip & Serve
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Let the pot rest for 10 minutes before flipping.
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Cover pot with platter and invert in one confident motion.
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Trust the process – a few decisive taps and slow upward motion will release your Maqluba intact.
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Garnish with toasted nuts and fresh parsley.
Additional tips
✅ For a healthier version, roast the vegetables instead of frying.
✅ For added aroma, sprinkle sumac or pomegranate seeds before serving.
✅ For a healthier version, roast the vegetables instead of frying.
✅ For added aroma, sprinkle sumac or pomegranate seeds before serving.
