Ingredients
Ingredients
For the chicken & broth:
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
For the vegetables:
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)
For the rice:
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
For garnish:
½ cup toasted almonds or pine nuts
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare Chicken & Broth:
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.Fry Vegetables:
In a pan, heat vegetable oil. Fry eggplant slices until golden, drain on paper towels. Repeat with cauliflower, potatoes, and carrots.Season Chicken:
Remove boiled chicken, pat dry, rub with spices, and sauté lightly in olive oil until browned.Layer the Pot:
In a non-stick Dutch oven, layer chicken at the bottom. Add fried eggplants, cauliflower, potatoes, and carrots. Top with drained rice.Add Broth & Cook:
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 10 minutes.Flip & Serve:
Place a large platter over the pot. Invert quickly and carefully. Lift pot slowly to reveal layered Maqluba. Garnish with nuts and parsley.
Notes
Soak rice for fluffier grains and better texture.
Rest the pot before flipping to help layers hold.
Swap chicken for lamb or go vegetarian with extra veggies.
Serve with plain yogurt or a cucumber-tomato salad.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Dinner
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Palestinian, Jordanian
- Diet: Halal