Flipping a maqluba pot is always a bit nerve-wracking. When it turns out right, it's impressive; when it doesn't, it's still tasty.
Maqluba is a traditional Middle Eastern dish with layers of rice, meat or chicken, and vegetables. You cook it all together, then flip it for a unique upside-down presentation. In Arabic, maqluba means "upside down."
It's a hit in Mizrachi Jewish homes, especially those with roots in Iraq. Maqluba is one of those comfort foods that hits the spot when it's done well, going straight from your mouth to your soul.
Ingredients
Servings 8
- Oil neutral flavored
- 1 potato sliced
- 1 zucchini cut into cubes
- 1 white onion sliced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ras el Hanout
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups Persian or jasmine rice rinsed
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup raw almonds
- ¼ cup Jamie Geller festive herb pilaf mix or other herb seasoning blend optional
- 5-6 shallots whole
- 5 whole garlic cloves
- 4 cups water
Nutritional Facts
Nutrition Facts
Maqluba with Nuts
Amount per Serving
Calories
579
% Daily Value*
Fat
29
g
45
%
Saturated Fat
9
g
56
%
Trans Fat
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
12
g
Cholesterol
81
mg
27
%
Sodium
384
mg
17
%
Potassium
786
mg
22
%
Carbohydrates
54
g
18
%
Fiber
6
g
25
%
Sugar
3
g
3
%
Protein
27
g
54
%
Vitamin A
309
IU
6
%
Vitamin C
13
mg
16
%
Calcium
195
mg
20
%
Iron
7
mg
39
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Instructions
- In a deep frying pan with a thin layer of oil, fry the potatoes, remove to a plate. Fry zucchini until golden, add to plate.
- In the same pan fry onion with beef. Add salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, ras el hanout, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- In a large bowl pour rice, add meat mixture, pine nuts and almonds. Mix in seasoning blend.
- Prepare a large deep nonstick pot that can go in the oven. Arrange fried potato slices on the bottom. Top with half the rice/meat mixture. Arrange zucchini cubes, whole shallots, and garlic over top.
- Pour remaining rice/meat mixture over top. Add 4 cups of water and cover with lid.
- Place on stove on low heat for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile preheat oven to 340℉/170℃. Place pot in oven for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and wait about 30 minutes before flipping and serving.
