Maqluba, meaning "upside down" in Arabic, is a scrumptious and comforting dish popular across the Middle East. This impressive meal is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, as it's traditionally served by flipping the pot to reveal a beautiful layered spectacle of vegetables, rice, and meat. Whether you're familiar with Middle Eastern cuisine or exploring it for the first time, Maqluba is a must-try. Here's how you can make this delicious dish at home.
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Ingredients
🥄 2 tablespoons oil
🍅 3 tomatoes
🍗 1 chicken, cut and boiled
🥔 4 potatoes, fried
🌱 1 pound green beans, fried
🍆 1 eggplant, fried
🧅 1 large onion, fried
🫑 1 bell pepper, fried
🍚 2 cups rice, washed and soaked for 20 minutes
🧂 1 1/2 tablespoons chicken bouillon
🧂 1 tablespoon salt
📦 1 packet Sazón
🌶️ 1 teaspoon black pepper
🌶️ 1 teaspoon chili flakes
💧 3 cups warm water
🥫 1 6oz can tomato paste
Instructions
1- Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken:
- Start by boiling the chicken pieces until fully cooked. Set aside.
- Slice the potatoes, eggplant, onion, and bell pepper. Fry each vegetable separately until golden brown. Drain excess oil with paper towels.
2- Layering the Ingredients:
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil on medium-high. Layer the slices of tomatoes at the bottom. This will form the first layer that will be visible when flipped.
- Layer the boiled chicken pieces on top of the tomatoes, followed by the fried potato slices, eggplant, onion, bell pepper, and green beans.
3- Add Rice and Seasonings:
- Gently spread the soaked and drained rice over the layered ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 1/2 tablespoons chicken bouillon, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 packet Sazón, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon chili flakes. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the rice.
4- Add Tomato Paste and Water:
- Dissolve the tomato paste in 3 cups of warm water. Pour this mixture carefully over the rice, ensuring the rice is submerged.
5- Cooking the Maqluba:
- Cover the pot and cook on high heat for the first 15 minutes.
- Then, reduce the heat to low and allow it to cook undisturbed for another 30 minutes. This will ensure the flavors meld together and the rice cooks evenly.
6- The Grand Flip:
- Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Carefully invert the pot onto a large serving platter. Slowly lift the pot to reveal the Maqluba. Serve immediately and enjoy the layered delight!
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approximately 480
Proteins: 25g
Fats: 18g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Equipment: Large pot with a lid, frying pan, serving platter
Cooking Tips
- Ensure all vegetables are sufficiently fried to prevent sogginess.
- Letting the finished dish rest before flipping prevents it from falling apart.
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