Maqluba Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 10, 2025

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Maqluba Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to This Upside-Down Delight

Maqluba, meaning "upside down" in Arabic, is a stunning and flavorful dish that's perfect for special occasions or a comforting family meal. This traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean recipe features layers of tender meat, fluffy rice, and roasted vegetables, creating a beautiful presentation and a symphony of tastes. Let's dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe serves 6-8 people. Adjust the quantities accordingly if you need to serve more or less.

• For the Meat:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (or lamb, beef, or a combination)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

• For the Vegetables:

  • 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

• For the Rice:

  • 2 cups long-grain rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts (optional, for added crunch and flavor)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken (or your chosen meat) and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Layer the Ingredients: In a large, oven-safe pot (at least 6 quarts), arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer on the bottom. Top with the zucchini and yellow squash, followed by the carrots. Then, add the browned chicken on top of the vegetables. Pour the diced tomatoes (undrained) evenly over the chicken.

4. Prepare and Add the Rice: In a separate bowl, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Spread the rinsed rice evenly over the tomato layer. Carefully pour the chicken broth over the rice, ensuring it's fully absorbed.

5. Bake: Cover the pot tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.

6. Invert and Serve: Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Place a large serving platter on top of the pot and quickly invert the pot, allowing the Maqluba to slide onto the platter. Garnish with pine nuts (if using) and fresh parsley.

7. Enjoy!: Serve warm and share this delicious and impressive dish with your loved ones.

Tips and Variations:

• Meat Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different meats like lamb, beef, or even vegetarian options like lentils or chickpeas.
• Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, or bell peppers to customize the dish to your liking.
• Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or add other spices like paprika or cinnamon to enhance the flavor profile.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the Maqluba a day ahead and reheat it gently before serving.

This Maqluba recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients transformed into a magnificent meal. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Remember to share your culinary creations using #MaqlubaRecipe #MiddleEasternFood #UpsideDownDish!