A feast in your mouth, lots of flavors from different vegetables, the unique aroma of basmati rice topped with pieces of lamb,beef or chicken. This one dish meal will feed a crowd.
We are back from Egypt yaaay, actually not so happy leaving my mom and sisters behind, but I really enjoy going back to my usual routine and getting the kids ready for their school.
Speaking of the family and my never ending longing to my late father, I’ve decided to make one of his favorite dishes ,Maqlooba . Being an eggplant lover, he liked almost anything that has eggplants. I never perfected the flipping of this dish, it always fell apart and everything is mixed up. Still tastes delicious but the look was not what it should be.
I have always known this dish as a Palestinian one, but to my surprise it seemed that it also a popular one in Iraq. This dish consists of eggplants, potatoes and cauliflowers florets that should be fried. I did not use cauliflower in my version and only fried the eggplants and potatoes. For a lighter version I suggest that you roast the eggplants and potatoes in the oven and you can use chicken instead of dark meat.
Here is a short video showing you how to make Maqlooba. I hope you’ll like this dish. Enjoy!!
- 2 c basmati rice soaked for 30 minutes.
- 2 lb beef stew/ lamb or chicken boiled and cooked make sure to keep the broth
- 1 medium eggplant.
- 2 medium potatoes.
- 1 large yellow onion.
- 1 large green/red/yellow bell pepper or any kind of pepper you like
- 2 Tbs tomato paste.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil.
- salt and pepper.
- Oil for frying.
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Slice the eggplant and the potatoes, sprinkle with some salt and fry.
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In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil. Saute the diced onion until translucent, add the meat, tomato paste and season, stir very well and cook for 5 - 10 minutes. Turn off the heat.
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In a deep pot arrange the meat in the bottom, then top with fried potatoes, then the eggplant rings.
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Top that with the rice, then add enough broth/water to cook the rice according to the package directions. I've added broth just enough to cover the rice.
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On a medium- high heat bring your pot to a boil, then reduce heat and cover for about 20-10 minutes until the rice is done.
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In a large platter that is wider than your pot, flip over the pot and tap the bottom of the pot to loosen the dish. It should fall out easily.
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Serve with green salad or yogurt dip. Enjoy!!
Oh my, I think this would be my favorite dish too. I just love this combination!
Welcome back! It’s always good getting back home again, isn’t it? So you can start planning another trip away from it! Anyway, what a great dish, and one that’s new to me. Really like this — thanks so much.
Gosh I’m excited to discover your site! I ADORE food from the middle east! 🙂
Welcome back to you to! Nice to see family but nice to be around our own things 🙂 And really great dish, your dad had great taste!
So so happy to see you back! And what a lovely dish you are back with 🙂 Love how customizable this is!
It’s always bitter sweet to return home isn’t it? You miss your family but you want your own home. It’s always like that for me.
I love maqlouba, it’s one of my favourites and used to make it often. I haven’t for a while now. You’ve reminded me that I need to! I have so many Palestinian friends in Houston that I would get to eat it quite often while I lived there. It’s been awhile. I need to make some soon.
Oh, and mine doesn’t stay together either 🙂
Still tastes god though.
Looking at your delicious one has me craving it now!
Welcome back! I would love to visit Egypt one day! 😀 And this dish is such a beauty. I made it once with chicken and I loved how wholesome and delicious it was.
I’ve never seen a unique dish like this! You gave me some ideas to explore so thanks a bunch!
I love rice dish, and this one sure sounds and looks delicious with all the flavors in it…indeed crowd pleaser.
Have a wonderful weekend Amira 🙂
SO hearty and delicious! I love how the dish is flipped for a beautiful presentation!
I can see why your dad would have loved this little masterpiece. Gorgeous layers and flavors. I am so glad you were able to get home for a visit! Good for you. I can’t wait to hear about the move and the renovations, you have been a very busy lady. Great video too and step by steps. I am going to have to try this recipe with all of your helpful hints.
This dish looks so flavorful and delicious! Thanks for sharing the video, it’s very informational and helpful!
How would meat cook in 5 minutes initially? Never would be tender even with 30 minute rice cooking,