Upside-Down Maqluba is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. This recipe combines layers of aromatic rice, tender meat, and perfectly cooked vegetables. The dish is assembled in a pot and then flipped over onto a serving platter, creating a beautiful presentation. With a total preparing time of 90 minutes, this recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests. Try making this Upside-Down Maqluba today and experience the rich flavors of the Middle East.
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice, soaked for 30 minutes
- 500g chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 onions, sliced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 2 eggplants, sliced
- 2 potatoes, sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
- Add the spices to the pot (ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper). Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices.
- Add the sliced carrots, eggplants, and potatoes to the pot. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Spread the rice evenly over the vegetables and chicken.
- Pour the chicken broth over the rice, making sure all the ingredients are submerged.
- Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the flavors have melded together.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Place a large serving platter on top of the pot and carefully flip it over to release the maqluba onto the platter. Tap the bottom of the pot to ensure the maqluba comes out completely.
- Garnish the maqluba with chopped fresh parsley and toasted almonds.
- Serve the Upside-Down Maqluba hot and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Maqluba means 'upside-down' in Arabic, which refers to the inverted presentation of this dish.
This dish is believed to have originated in Palestine and is now popular throughout the Middle East.
Traditionally, maqluba is made with lamb or beef, but this recipe uses chicken for a lighter version.
The layers of rice, meat, and vegetables in maqluba symbolize the unity and harmony of different elements coming together in one dish.