Maklouba (lamb And Eggplant Casserole)

Maklouba, also known as "upside-down" in Arabic, is a traditional Iraqi dish that features layers of tender lamb, eggplant, and rice, all cooked together to create a flavorful and comforting casserole.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Main Course Iraqi Iraqi Cuisine Lamb Eggplant Casserole
Maklouba (lamb And Eggplant Casserole)

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs lamb, cut into chunks
  • 2 large eggplants, sliced
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the lamb chunks and brown on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened.
  3. Add the spices (turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, allspice) to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
  4. Return the lamb to the pot and add the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
  5. While the lamb is simmering, heat a separate pan over medium heat. Add a bit of oil and fry the eggplant slices until golden brown. Set aside.
  6. Once the lamb is tender, remove it from the pot and set aside. Strain the broth and reserve it for later.
  7. In the same pot, layer the bottom with the fried eggplant slices. Top with the cooked lamb chunks.
  8. Rinse the rice and spread it evenly over the lamb. Pour the reserved broth over the rice.
  9. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  10. Once done, carefully invert the pot onto a large serving platter, allowing the layers to form an "upside-down" casserole.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
15 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
450 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
40g
Fat
20g

Supplies

Large pot Frying pan Cooking spoon Knife Cutting board

Tools

Serving platter

Serving suggestions

Serve the Maklouba with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

To ensure the casserole holds its shape when inverted, let it rest for a few minutes before flipping it onto the serving platter.

Cost

$20