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Middle Eastern Halal Dinner Featured

Maqluba (Palestine/Jordan)

An authentic recipe for traditional Levantine Maqluba, highlighting the art of layering chicken, fried vegetables, and spiced rice into a dramatic upside-down presentation.

Level Medium Prep 40 min Cook 60 min Servings 6 Score 4.9/10

Ready in

100 min

Makes 6 servings

Prep 40m

Cook 60m

Level Medium

About this recipe

An authentic recipe for traditional Levantine Maqluba, highlighting the art of layering chicken, fried vegetables, and spiced rice into a dramatic upside-down presentation.

A magnificent traditional Palestinian and Jordanian dish featuring spiced rice, chicken, and fried vegetables turned upside down.

Instructions

Boil the chicken with onion, cardamom pods, and salt until tender. Reserve the chicken broth.
Slice and fry the eggplant, cauliflower florets, and potatoes until golden brown and set aside.
In a large deep pot, arrange the cooked chicken pieces at the very bottom.
Layer the fried vegetables (potatoes, eggplant, and cauliflower) tightly over and around the chicken.
Add the soaked and drained basmati rice evenly on top of the vegetable layer, seasoning with mixed spices, turmeric, and cinnamon.
Pour the warm seasoned chicken broth over the rice, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat until the rice is fully cooked.
40 min
Let the pot rest for 10 minutes, place a large serving tray over the top, and carefully flip the pot upside down to reveal the layered masterpiece.

Nutrition

Calories 480

Protein 28g

Carbs 54g

Fat 18g

Fiber 6g

Sugar 4g

Sodium 520mg

Serving Size 1 serving

Cooking Timeline

Prep 40 min

Cook 60 min

Total 100 min

Recipe Scorecard

Overall 9.4 /10

Expert 4.9 95% conf.

Taste 9.8
Presentation 10.0
Nutrition 8.5
Value 9.0
Instructions 9.2
Ingredients 9.5
Time Accuracy 9.0
Difficulty 8.0
Would Make Again 9.0

Expert Review

Reviewed by FindEdition Kitchen

Verdict

An iconic, show-stopping Levantine dish packed with rich spices, tender meat, and perfectly layered vegetables.

Pros

Incredible presentation
Rich and comforting flavors
Great for sharing and gatherings

Cons

Requires careful technique when flipping

Overview

A magnificent traditional Palestinian and Jordanian dish featuring spiced rice, chicken, and fried vegetables turned upside down.

AI Insights

Summary

An authentic recipe for traditional Levantine Maqluba, highlighting the art of layering chicken, fried vegetables, and spiced rice into a dramatic upside-down presentation.

Tips

Press the vegetables and meat firmly against the bottom and sides of the pot before adding the rice to ensure a neat shape upon flipping
Garnish generously with toasted almonds and fresh chopped parsley
Serve alongside plain yogurt or cucumber mint salad (salata arabia) to balance the rich spices

Substitutions

Chicken → Lamb or beef chunks
Vegetables → Add sliced carrots or bell peppers if desired

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pairing

Plain yogurt (Laban)
Fresh chopped cucumber and tomato salad

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FAQ

How do you flip Maqluba without it falling apart?

Let the pot rest off the heat for about 10-15 minutes so the layers settle, place a wide serving tray firmly over the opening, and flip it smoothly and quickly in one confident motion.

Can I use lamb instead of chicken?

Yes, lamb chunks are traditionally used in many households, just ensure they are fully tenderized by boiling or pressure-cooking before layering.