Makloubeh Surprise (مقلوبة مفاجئة)

Makloubeh Surprise is a traditional Palestinian dish that translates to "upside-down" in Arabic. This flavorful one-pot meal is a delicious combination of rice, vegetables, and your choice of protein, all layered and then flipped upside down before serving.

Makloubeh Surprise (مقلوبة مفاجئة)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 lb chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 1 large eggplant, sliced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds, for garnish
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat and brown the chicken thighs on both sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté the onions until translucent. Add the carrots and eggplant, and cook for a few minutes.
  3. Stir in the spices and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Add the rice to the pot and gently mix everything together.
  5. Carefully place the browned chicken thighs on top of the rice and vegetables.
  6. Pour the broth over everything, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
  7. Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  8. Place a large serving platter over the pot and carefully flip it upside down to reveal the layered makloubeh.
  9. Garnish with toasted almonds and fresh parsley before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
45 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
15g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
12g

Supplies

Large pot Serving platter

Tools

Chef's knife Cutting board Measuring cups and spoons

Serving suggestions

Serve the Makloubeh Surprise with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with cauliflower florets or chickpeas.

Cost

$15