Maqluba

Name: Maqluba
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Israeli, Lebanese, Turkish
Ingredients: 2.5 cups Basmati Rice; 1 whole Cauliflower Florets; 2 whole Diced Tomatoes; 1 whole Diced Yellow Onion; 3 whole Dried Bay Leaves; 2 tbsp Ground Allspice; 0.5 tsp Ground Cardamom; 1 whole Sliced Potatoes; 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil; 6 cups Water; 3 whole Whole Cardamom; 4 lb Whole Chicken; 4 whole Whole Cloves

Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 Israeli 🇮🇱Lebanese 🇱🇧Turkish 🇹🇷 High-Protein 💪Gluten-Free Halal 🕌Comfort-Food

Maqluba layers spiced chicken, golden potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes, and fragrant basmati rice, then is flipped to reveal a beautiful, mosaic-like dome. The rice absorbs warm allspice and cardamom notes, while the vegetables add sweetness and texture. Serve it for a family gathering or festive weekend meal when you want an aromatic, shareable centerpiece.

Prep1 hr
Cook2 hrs
Serves6
DifficultyMedium

1

Place the chicken in a large pot with 6 cups water, the onion, 2 tablespoons allspice, ground cardamom, cardamom seeds, whole cloves, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, and cook until the chicken is tender, about 40 minutes. Remove the chicken, then strain and reserve the broth.
2

Soak the rice in water while the chicken cooks. When the chicken is almost done, drain off the water, and stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons allspice.
3

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the potatoes and cauliflower in the hot oil until browned. They do not need to be fully cooked.
4

Layer the fried potatoes on the bottom of a separate pot to prevent the rice from sticking. Add the cauliflower and tomatoes, and sprinkle a handful of rice over the vegetables. Remove the bones from the chicken and place the chicken in the pot. Cover with the remaining rice. Pour in the reserved broth until it is about 1/2 inch above the level of the rice. Cover the pot, and cook over medium-low heat until the rice is tender, about 1 hour.
5

Uncover the pot, and place a large round tray over the top. Invert so the pot is upside down on the tray. Let stand for 5 minutes like this, then slowly lift off the pot to release the food onto the tray.