Food Drink News

How to make Maqluba at home: Upside-down rice dish loved in Middle East

New Delhi: Maqluba is a beloved Levantine dish that means ‘upside-down’ in Arabic. This comforting, flavourful one-pot meal is made with layers of rice, meat (usually lamb or chicken), and fried vegetables, all cooked together and flipped over before serving to reveal a beautiful, cake-like presentation. Popular in Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon, Maqluba is perfect for family meals or festive gatherings.

It is a most beloved dish for most Muslims living abroad, and enjoyed by them on special occasions, if you are thinking of elevating your festival occasions and meal experiences. Here is a quick recipe guide to prepare at home and enjoy the authentic flavours.

Maqluba recipe

Ingredients

For the Meat Marinade:

• 500 g chicken thighs or lamb pieces (bone-in preferred)
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• Salt to taste
• Water

For the Vegetables:

• 1 eggplant
• 1 large potato
• 1-2 carrots
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• Oil for shallow frying

For the Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Salt to taste
• Toasted almonds or pine nuts
• Chopped parsley
• Yoghurt or salad on the side

Steps to prepare:

1. Take a pot and boil meat along with onion, garlic, bay leaf, salt and peppercorns. Skim any foam and set both the meat and broth aside.
2. Shallow fry the eggplant, potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower until golden. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
3. Mix soaked rice with allspice, cumin, cinnamon, and salt for an aromatic base.
4. In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, start layering: first the cooked meat, then fried vegetables, followed by the seasoned rice. Gently press each layer.
5. Pour the reserved meat broth over the layers, enough to just cover the rice.
6. Cover the pot with a tight lid and cook on low heat for about 35–45 minutes.
7. Let the pot sit for 10 minutes after cooking. Place a large serving plate over the pot and carefully flip it upside down.
8. Top with toasted nuts and fresh coriander. Serve hot with a side of plain yoghurt or Arabic salad.

Maqluba is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary centrepiece that brings people together. With its savoury layers and rich aroma, this traditional dish celebrates Middle Eastern hospitality and flavour.