{"id":"recipe_41476bf78d","slug":"maqluba-upside-down-rice-with-chicken-and-vegetables","title":"Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice with Chicken and Vegetables)","description":"A magnificent Levantine centerpiece featuring tender chicken, caramelized vegetables, and aromatic rice, all flipped upside down for a stunning presentation.","serves":6,"time":{"prepMinutes":30,"cookMinutes":60,"totalMinutes":90,"activeMinutes":45},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"1 kg chicken thighs, bone-in","name":"Chicken Thighs","quantity":1,"unit":"kg","usQuantity":2.2,"usUnit":"lb","form":"bone-in","notes":"skin removed if preferred","group":"Protein","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"2 cups Basmati rice","name":"Basmati Rice","quantity":400,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"2","usUnit":"cup","form":"dry","notes":"soaked for 30 minutes and drained","group":"Grains","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"1 large eggplant","name":"Eggplant","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"sliced into rounds","notes":"approx 500g","group":"Vegetables","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"1 medium cauliflower","name":"Cauliflower","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"cut into florets","notes":"approx 500g","group":"Vegetables","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"2 medium potatoes","name":"Potatoes","quantity":2,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"piece","form":"sliced into rounds","notes":"approx 300g","group":"Vegetables","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"1 onion","name":"Onion","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"quartered","notes":"used for cooking the chicken broth","group":"Aromatics","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"4 garlic cloves","name":"Garlic","quantity":4,"unit":"clove","usQuantity":4,"usUnit":"clove","form":"whole","notes":"","group":"Aromatics","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-8","original":"2 tsp turmeric","name":"Turmeric","quantity":10,"unit":"g","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"ground","notes":"","group":"Spices","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-9","original":"1 tsp ground cinnamon","name":"Cinnamon","quantity":5,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"ground","notes":"","group":"Spices","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-10","original":"1 tsp ground allspice","name":"Allspice","quantity":5,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"ground","notes":"","group":"Spices","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-11","original":"Vegetable oil for frying","name":"Vegetable Oil","quantity":250,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":"1","usUnit":"cup","form":"liquid","notes":"for deep or shallow frying vegetables","group":"Fats","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"In a large pot, cover the chicken with water and add the onion, whole garlic cloves, salt, and half of the turmeric, cinnamon, and allspice. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender. Strain and reserve the broth.","group":"Preparation","title":"Cover the chicken","timerMinutes":40,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"While the chicken is cooking, fry the eggplant slices, cauliflower florets, and potato slices in vegetable oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.","group":"Preparation","title":"Fry the eggplant slices, cauliflower florets, and potato slices","timerMinutes":20,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Season the soaked and drained rice with the remaining spices (turmeric, cinnamon, allspice) and a bit of salt.","group":"Layering","title":"Season the soaked and drained rice","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Layering"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"In a clean non-stick pot, layer the potatoes at the bottom, followed by the eggplant and cauliflower around the sides and on top of the potatoes. Place the cooked chicken pieces over the vegetables, then spread the rice evenly on top. Press down firmly.","group":"Layering","title":"In a clean non-stick pot, layer the potatoes","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Layering"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Carefully pour the reserved chicken broth over the rice until it is covered by about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.","group":"Cooking","title":"Carefully pour the reserved chicken broth","timerMinutes":30,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-6","text":"Remove from heat and let the pot sit, covered, for 15 minutes. Place a large serving platter over the pot and quickly but carefully flip it upside down. Tap the bottom of the pot, then slowly lift it to reveal the layers.","group":"Serving","title":"Remove from heat and let the pot sit, covered,","timerMinutes":15,"sourceTitle":"Serving"}],"notes":"Using a non-stick pot is crucial for a clean flip. Press the rice down firmly before adding the broth to help it hold its shape. Letting the pot sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking before flipping is the secret to a perfect 'cake' structure.","cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Levantine","Palestinian","Jordanian"]},"course":["main"],"cookingMethod":["simmer","fry"],"equipment":["large non-stick pot","frying pan","large serving platter","strainer"],"diet":["high_protein","gluten_free"],"allergens":[],"difficulty":"medium","yield":{"amount":1,"unit":"pot","note":"A large 5-6 quart pot"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"Vegetables can be fried and chicken can be cooked and shredded a day in advance. Store in the fridge and assemble before final cooking."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to moisten the rice."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_41476bf78d%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=e43b37e6-7f7b-4b58-86f1-85d56eeaa7cd","imageAlt":"Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice with Chicken and Vegetables) — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["maqluba","upside down rice","chicken","eggplant","cauliflower","middle eastern"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice with Chicken and Vegetables)","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T01:49:44.117Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T01:49:44.117Z","related":[{"id":"recipe_93cd8cc1d5","slug":"foul-mudammas-egyptian-b0a2d1a5","title":"Quick Foul Mudammas with Canned Fava Beans","description":"A traditional Egyptian and Mediterranean breakfast staple made from slow-cooked fava beans, seasoned with garlic, lemon, and high-quality olive oil.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":20,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Egyptian"]},"course":["main"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","mediterranean","high_protein","gluten_free","dairy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_93cd8cc1d5%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=5f51ba9c-cd23-448e-9c6a-c10cf077e07d","imageAlt":"Quick Foul Mudammas with Canned Fava Beans — recipe cover","tags":["fava beans","egyptian breakfast","healthy","high protein","vegan"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":7,"stepCount":4},{"id":"recipe_e90a4fd311","slug":"kagianas","title":"Kagianas","description":"A traditional Greek breakfast delight featuring vine-ripened tomatoes and creamy feta cheese scrambled with fresh eggs for a Mediterranean start to your day.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":20,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Greek"]},"course":["main"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free","high_protein"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_e90a4fd311%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=b290bd3d-1e1d-42f8-8a20-bcfda19a5c6e","imageAlt":"Kagianas — recipe cover","tags":["eggs","tomato","feta","greek","mediterranean","healthy","quick"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":7,"stepCount":6},{"id":"menemen_a62c2fd7c2","slug":"menemen","title":"Menemen","description":"A classic Turkish breakfast dish consisting of eggs, tomatoes, and green peppers, traditionally served in a metal skillet with crusty bread.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":20,"activeMinutes":20},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Turkish"]},"course":["main"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","low_carb","gluten_free","mediterranean"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fmenemen_a62c2fd7c2%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=e9e71400-16af-40b7-bac9-bd5fd60261a7","imageAlt":"Menemen — recipe cover","tags":["turkish breakfast","eggs","tomatoes","vegetarian","healthy","quick"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":7,"stepCount":5}]}