Upside Down (Maqluba) Recipe
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Upside Down (Maqluba)

By: JustCallMeD 
"This perfect meal features all four food groups. It is inspired by the Arabic dish called 'Maqluba,' which translates to 'upside down.' When the meal has finished cooking, you take the pot and flip it upside down onto a large serving platter, and everybody helps themselves."

This Kitchen Approved Recipe has an average star rating of 4.2 Rate/Review | Read Reviews (11)

What to Drink?

Wine Zinfandel
Prep Time:
30 Min
Cook Time:
1 Hr 10 Min
Ready In:
1 Hr 40 Min

Servings  (Help)

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Original Recipe Yield 6 servings
 

Ingredients

  • 7 cups water
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooking oil
  • 2 cups lamb meat, cut into small pieces
  • 1 large eggplant, cut into 3/4-inch slices
  • 2 zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 1 cup broccoli
  • 1 cup cauliflower
  • 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
  • 1 (16 ounce) container plain yogurt

Directions

  1. Bring to a boil the water, onion, garlic, cinnamon, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and pepper in a large pot. Add the lamb; reduce the heat to low and simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Separate the lamb from the liquid and set aside. Transfer the liquid to a bowl.
  2. While the lamb mixture simmers, heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the eggplant slices in the hot oil, assuring the pieces do not touch, until brown on both sides; remove to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Use the same procedure to fry the zucchini and the cauliflower. Cook the broccoli in the oil until hot and remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  3. Layer the lamb into the bottom of the large pot. Arrange the eggplants, zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower on top of the beef in layers. Pour the rice over the beef and vegetables, shaking the pot gently to allow the rice to settle into the dish. Pour the reserved liquid from the beef over the mixture until it is completely covered. Add water if needed.
  4. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat until the rice is soft and the liquid is absorbed, 30 to 45 minutes. Remove the lid from the pot. Place a large platter over the pot and flip the pot so the dish is 'upside down' on the platter. Serve with yogurt on the side.

Nutritional Information open nutritional information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 1019 | Total Fat: 78.1g | Cholesterol: 50mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

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 view all reviews »  

The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.2 star rating.
Reviewed on Jun. 5, 2009 by JustCallMeD   view full review
I am the author of this recipe, and it has been radically 'modified' from what I submitted....
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.2 star rating.
Reviewed on Oct. 30, 2009 by fakeymcfake   view full review
Years ago I ate this dish at a friends house, her mom was of Arabic heritage, and I have been...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.2 star rating.
Reviewed on Jul. 25, 2008 by Marie Lopez   view full review
This is an awesome dish. My husband is from Jordan and he loved it. I must admit it did take...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.2 star rating.
Reviewed on Oct. 27, 2008 by ChristaH Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)  view full review
I added all the reserve liquid - I should have known it was too much. By the time it simmered...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.2 star rating.
Reviewed on Apr. 10, 2008 by Nova   view full review
I am so happy I found this recipe! My Jordanian mother in law makes this (and all sorts of...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.2 star rating.
Reviewed on Aug. 31, 2010 by Mrs.Khan   view full review
Great recipe!! everyone loved it. I only used eggplant and zucchini, left out the other veggie.
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.2 star rating.
Reviewed on Jan. 21, 2009 by Povareshka   view full review
It is an interesting recipe! Our family seemed to enjoy it: even my 14-years old sister who...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.2 star rating.
Reviewed on Oct. 6, 2011 by jadedgurl   view full review
My husband is middle eastern and we make this frequently. We only use the eggplant and...
The reviewer gave this recipe 3 stars. This recipe averages a 4.2 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 16, 2009 by Rachel   view full review
It was ok, but not that tasty. If I were to make it again, I'd have to spice it up a lot more.
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.2 star rating.
Reviewed on Sep. 15, 2009 by anniewoo5   view full review
I found this doing an ingredient search in order to use up some veggies in my fridge. It was...

 

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