Maqluba with Chicken – The Iconic Upside-Down Chicken Rice Dish
Author: Riley Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 80 minutes Total Time: 110 minutes
Yield: 6 servings Category: DINNER
Description
A savory one-pot layered rice dish with chicken, vegetables, and warm Middle Eastern spices that is flipped onto a platter for an impressive presentation.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (3 lbs), cut into 6–8 pieces
1 large onion, quartered
6–8 cardamom pods
2 bay leaves
Salt, to taste
Water, to cover
2 medium eggplants, sliced into rounds
1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets
2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
3 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked 30 minutes
5 cups chicken broth (reserved from boiling chicken)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup toasted almonds or pine nuts
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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Instructions
1. In a large pot, place chicken pieces, onion, bay leaves, cardamom, and salt. Cover with water, bring to a boil, skim foam, and simmer for 40 minutes. Strain and reserve broth.
2. In a pan, heat vegetable oil. Fry eggplant slices until golden, and drain on paper towels. Repeat with cauliflower, potatoes, and carrots.
3. Remove boiled chicken, pat dry, rub with spices, and sauté lightly in olive oil until browned.
4. In a non-stick Dutch oven, layer chicken at the bottom. Add fried eggplants, cauliflower, potatoes, and carrots. Top with drained rice.
5. Pour 5 cups of hot broth over the rice. Cover tightly, bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 40 minutes until rice absorbs liquid. Rest for 10 minutes.
6. Place a large platter over the pot. Invert quickly and carefully. Lift pot slowly to reveal layered Maqluba. Garnish with nuts and parsley.