Maqluba
Upside-Down Rice and Chicken Casserole
A visually stunning and hearty Iraqi dish where rice, chicken, and fried vegetables are layered in a pot and then flipped over to serve. It's a celebratory meal often prepared for gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(cut into 8 pieces (bone-in, skin-on))
- 3 cups Basmati rice(rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes)
- 1 large Eggplant(sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
- 2 medium Potatoes(sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
- 1 medium head Cauliflower florets
- 1 large Onion(sliced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 4 Cardamom pods
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for frying Vegetable oil
- for garnish Fresh parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and turmeric. In a large pot, brown the chicken pieces in a little oil until golden on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
In the same pot, sauté the sliced onion until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in chicken broth, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- 4
While the broth simmers, fry the eggplant, potatoes, and cauliflower florets in vegetable oil until golden brown and tender. Drain on paper towels.
- 5
Drain the soaked rice. Layer the fried vegetables and sliced tomatoes over the chicken in the pot. Top with the drained rice.
- 6
Carefully pour the simmering broth over the rice, ensuring it covers the rice by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- 7
Let the pot rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Place a large serving platter over the pot and carefully invert the pot to release the maqluba onto the platter.
- 8
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the pot you use is heavy-bottomed to prevent sticking.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pot when frying vegetables; fry in batches if necessary.
- ✓The key to a successful flip is to let the maqluba rest properly after cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use lamb instead of chicken.
- Add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Serve with a side of plain yogurt or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.