Maqluba (also spelled Ma2loubeh) is a hearty and flavorful Middle Eastern dish that literally means “upside-down.” It’s a vibrant and satisfying one-pot meal that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds! Imagine a beautifully layered dish of tender chicken, fried cauliflower, potatoes, tomatoes, and fluffy rice all flipped upside down for a grand reveal! Let’s make this iconic dish together.
Method
Prepare the Chicken
Start by boiling the chicken breasts in a large pot of water, adding one chicken bouillon cube and one tablespoon of Makloubeh spice blend. Allow the chicken to cook thoroughly, usually taking around 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is tender and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into medium-sized chunks. Keep the broth aside as it will be used later.
Fry the Cauliflower
Take a deep frying pan and heat some oil over medium-high heat. Break the cauliflower into medium florets and fry them in batches until they become golden and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Once fried, place the cauliflower on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Set aside until needed.
Layer the Ingredients
In a clean and deep pot, start by arranging the sliced tomatoes at the bottom to create a base that prevents sticking and adds flavor. Next, layer the sliced onions evenly over the tomatoes. Follow by adding the shredded chicken in an even layer, ensuring it covers the onions. Spread the fried cauliflower over the chicken, distributing it evenly. Next, add the sliced potatoes, forming a uniform layer. Finally, spread the washed and drained rice on top. The layering is crucial for the iconic presentation, so take your time.
Add Spices and Broth
After layering, sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of Makloubeh spice and a pinch of salt over the rice. Pour the reserved chicken broth carefully into the pot, making sure the liquid reaches just above the level of the rice. The broth will infuse flavor throughout the layers as it cooks.
Cook the Maqluba
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam. Place it over medium-high heat and bring the contents to a boil. Once the mixture starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 40 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the broth, and the ingredients will meld together, creating a fragrant and cohesive dish.
The Flip
After cooking, allow the pot to rest for 5-10 minutes to stabilize the layers. To serve, place a large, flat serving dish over the pot, hold the pot and the dish firmly together, and swiftly flip them over. Gently tap the bottom of the pot to help release the layers before lifting it off, revealing your beautifully layered Maqluba!
Necessary Tools
- Large pot
- Deep frying pan
- Slotted spoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Serving dish
Maqluba Recipe: The Upside-Down Delight!
Cuisine: PalestinianDifficulty: Easy6
servings20
minutes1
hour1
hour20
minutesIngredients
1 cauliflower, broken into pieces, deep fried
2 cups rice, washed and drained
2 chicken breasts, boiled
2 onions, sliced
2 potatoes, sliced
2 tomatoes, sliced
1 chicken bouillon cube
2 tbsp Makloubeh spice blend
Salt, to taste
4.5 cups chicken broth
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, boil chicken breasts with water, a chicken bouillon cube, and 1 tablespoon of Makloubeh spice. Once cooked, shred the chicken into chunks and reserve the broth.
- Fry the Cauliflower: Deep fry the cauliflower pieces until golden and set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a clean large pot, layer the ingredients in this order: tomatoes at the bottom, then onions, chicken, fried cauliflower, potatoes, and finally the washed rice.
- Add Spices and Broth: Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of Makloubeh spice and salt over the layered ingredients. Pour the reserved chicken broth (about 4.5 cups) over the entire mixture.
- Cook the Maqluba: Cover the pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 40 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- The Flip: Once cooked, let the pot rest for a few minutes. Place a large serving dish over the pot and carefully flip the pot upside down. Tap the bottom gently to release the layers, then lift the pot to reveal your beautiful Maqluba!
Notes
- Ensure the pot lid is tightly closed during cooking to retain steam and moisture.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before flipping, to keep the layers intact.
- Use oven mitts and caution while flipping, as the pot may still be hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Maqluba with plain yogurt or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
- A drizzle of tahini sauce on the side adds a creamy touch.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Fun Fact
The word “Maqluba” in Arabic means “upside-down.” The dramatic flipping of the pot is a key moment, making it not just a dish but a memorable culinary event!
Conclusion
Maqluba is more than just food it’s an experience! The hearty flavors, the layered presentation, and the iconic upside-down flip make it a dish to remember. Enjoy this traditional comfort food and impress your guests with your culinary skills!
