Upside-Down Meat Rice (Maklouba) with Easy Steps
Discover the delightful flavors of Maklouba, a traditional Middle Eastern dish that beautifully combines meat and rice, layered with vegetables and seasoned to perfection. This culinary gem is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 500 grams of lamb or chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 large eggplant, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 4 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
- Add the meat pieces (lamb or chicken) to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and allspice. Cook until browned on all sides.
- Add the sliced tomatoes, eggplant, and carrots to the pot. Stir well and let them cook for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
- While the meat is cooking, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch.
- Once the meat is ready, remove the pieces from the pot and set them aside. Strain the broth, keeping the vegetables in the pot.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot with the vegetables, then layer the cooked meat on top. Pour the strained broth over everything, ensuring the rice is covered.
- Cover the pot, bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and absorbs the broth.
- Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes.
- To serve, carefully flip the pot onto a large serving plate so that the meat and vegetables sit on top of the rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!