Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East with Majestic Maqluba, an aromatic and savory upside-down rice casserole. This traditional dish, beloved for its layers of spiced meat, vegetables, and fluffy rice, is a feast for the senses. Its unique preparation ends in a dramatic flip, revealing a beautifully layered and fragrant meal that's as delightful to behold as it is to devour.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 6 people
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
Nutritional Profile (per serving):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
Ingredients
- Long grain rice: 300 grams (10.6 ounces / 0.66 pounds)
- Boneless chicken thighs: 450 grams (15.9 ounces / 0.99 pounds)
- Cauliflower, cut into florets: 200 grams (7.1 ounces / 0.44 pounds)
- Eggplant, sliced: 250 grams (8.8 ounces / 0.55 pounds)
- Ripe tomatoes, sliced: 150 grams (5.3 ounces / 0.33 pounds)
- Onion, finely chopped: 100 grams (3.5 ounces / 0.22 pounds)
- Garlic cloves, minced: 20 grams (0.7 ounces / 0.04 pounds)
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 750 ml (26.4 ounces / 1.6 pounds)
- Olive oil: 30 ml (1 ounce / 0.06 pounds)
- Salt: 5 grams (0.18 ounces / 0.01 pounds)
- Ground black pepper: 2 grams (0.07 ounces / 0.004 pounds)
- Ground cumin: 5 grams (0.18 ounces / 0.01 pounds)
- Ground turmeric: 3 grams (0.11 ounces / 0.006 pounds)
- Ground cinnamon: 2 grams (0.07 ounces / 0.004 pounds)
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Rice Preparation: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain.
- Cooking Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat half the olive oil over medium heat. Fry the cauliflower and eggplant until golden brown. Set aside on a paper towel.
- Cooking Chicken: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and cook the chicken with garlic, salt, and pepper until browned.
- Layering: In a large pot, place the sliced tomatoes at the bottom. Layer the cooked chicken, cauliflower, eggplant, and finally, the rice. Pour the broth over the rice.
- Cooking Maqluba: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
- The Big Flip: Let the Maqluba rest for 10 minutes. Place a large serving plate over the pot and carefully flip the pot upside down. Lift the pot slowly to reveal the Maqluba.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning.
- Ensure the rice is thoroughly drained to avoid mushiness.
- Be patient during the flipping process; it's key to the dish's presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different vegetables in Maqluba?
Yes, you can customize the dish with vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
How do I ensure that Maqluba doesn’t stick to the pot?
Make sure to layer the bottom with tomatoes and oil the pot well.
Can Maqluba be made vegetarian?
Absolutely, simply replace the chicken with additional vegetables or tofu.