Description
Discover the delicious Upside-Down Rice Dish, also known as Maqluba, a flavorful and visually stunning meal that layers rice, chicken, and vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 pound chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 medium potato, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken thighs to the pot and brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, and allspice.
- Layer the sliced eggplant and potato on top of the chicken in the pot. Add the chopped tomatoes on top of the vegetables.
- Pour the drained rice over the layered ingredients, spreading it evenly. Carefully add the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is submerged.
- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to steam.
- To serve, carefully invert the pot onto a large serving platter, allowing the Maqluba to fall out in layers. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with a side of spicy sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Upside-Down Rice Dish, Maqluba, Middle Eastern recipe