Eggplant maklouba is a traditional Lebanese dish that is enjoyed by many across the Middle East. It is a one-pot meal that consists of layers of vegetables, rice, and meat that are cooked together until they are tender and fragrant. The name maklouba literally translates to “upside down” in Arabic, which refers to the way the dish is served.
During my family vacation in Dubai, we decided to have lunch at a Middle Eastern restaurant. The menu was full of exotic dishes, and I was eager to try something new. After perusing the menu, I decided to order the eggplant maklouba, a traditional Middle Eastern dish.
A short while later, an old waiter brought the dish to our table. It was a beautiful sight, with layers of eggplant, potatoes, and spiced ground beef piled high on a bed of fragrant basmati rice. As we dug into our meal, we heard a loud crash from another table. A customer had accidentally broken a piece of decorative pottery in the restaurant, causing a bit of commotion.
After the staff had cleaned up the mess, I approached the chef and asked if he would be willing to share the recipe for the maklouba with me. To my delight, he agreed, and I eagerly jotted down the ingredients and instructions.
The recipe called for eggplants, potatoes, ground beef, basmati rice, chicken broth, assorted nuts, avocado oil, salt, 7 spices, and black pepper.
With the recipe in hand, I couldn’t wait to try making the dish myself.
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to pairing this maklouba, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few dishes that I find pair particularly well with this flavorful and hearty dish:
Salads: A fresh and crisp salad can help balance out the richness of the maklouba. Try serving a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon and olive oil dressing.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers make for a great side dish to serve alongside eggplant maklouba. The sweetness of the roasted vegetables pairs well with the savory flavors of the dish.
Flatbreads: Flatbreads such as naan or pita are a great option to serve alongside this dish. The bread can be used to scoop up the flavorful eggplant and rice, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Overall, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to pairing maklouba. Just be sure to avoid the obvious choices such as hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, and baba ganoush, as they are already commonly served alongside Middle Eastern dishes.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 2 cups of Basmati rice
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of assorted nuts (sliced almonds, pine nuts, cashews)
- 7 tablespoons of avocado oil (divided)
- 5 teaspoons of salt
- 4 teaspoons of seven spices (divided)
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
How to Make Eggplant Maklouba?
- Start by peeling and slicing the eggplants lengthwise. Sprinkle about a teaspoon of salt on the slices and leave them for 30 minutes to remove moisture. Then, pat them dry using a kitchen paper towel.
- Then, set the oven to 400°F lay out the eggplant slices on a baking tray covered with parchment paper. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of avocado oil over them and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning them over once in the middle of the baking time.
- As the eggplants bake, peel and slice the potatoes. Wash and set aside the cauliflower florets after separating them. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of oil on the cauliflower and 1 tablespoon on the potatoes, seasoning both with a teaspoon of salt. Bake or air-fry: cauliflower for 20-25 mins, potatoes for 15 mins.
- In a pan, use the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil to cook the nuts until they’re golden brown. Set them aside. Keep the leftover oil and add the ground beef to the same pot. Cook and brown the beef, then season it with 2 teaspoons of 7 spices, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Set it aside.
- Once you’ve rinsed the Basmati rice until the water clears, add the remaining 2 teaspoons of 7 spices, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix it all together thoroughly.
- In the pot, arrange the layers: start with the cooked potato slices, then add the eggplant, and cauliflower florets, and spread the ground beef. Finish with the seasoned rice on top. Pour enough chicken broth over the rice to cover it by 1/2 inch.
- Put the lid on the pot and cook on medium heat for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cook for another 15-20 minutes until the rice is fluffy.
- After the dish is cooked, allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before flipping it using the flipping platter or serving platter. This helps the rice to set, preventing the dish from falling apart. Position the flipping platter (or serving platter) on top of the Perfect pot, then carefully flip the pot over. Once the plate is on a flat surface, gently remove the pot.
Common Variations
Vegetarian maklouba
For those who prefer a meat-free version of maklouba, vegetarian maklouba is a great option. Instead of meat, this dish is made with a variety of vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes. The vegetables are layered with rice and spices in the same way as the traditional recipe. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Spicy maklouba
If you enjoy a little heat in your food, try making a spicy version of this maklouba. You can add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the spice mix. You can also use spicy sausage or ground beef instead of the traditional meat to give the dish an extra kick. Just be sure to adjust the amount of spice based on your personal preference.
Overall, eggplant maklouba is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you choose to make it with meat or vegetables, mild or spicy, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next family gathering or dinner party.
Tips and Tricks
As someone who has made eggplant maklouba many times, I have learned a few tips and tricks that can help you make the perfect dish. Here are some of my favorite tips:
Choose the right eggplant: Look for eggplants that are firm and shiny with smooth skin. Avoid any eggplants that are wrinkled or have soft spots as they may be overripe.
Salt the eggplant: Salting the eggplant before cooking helps to remove any bitterness and excess moisture. Simply slice the eggplant, sprinkle it with salt, and let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing it off and patting it dry.
Use the right rice: To make a delicious maklouba, it’s important to use the right type of rice. Look for short-grain rice like Arborio or sushi rice as they will absorb the flavors of the spices and vegetables better than long-grain rice.
Layer the ingredients carefully: When layering the ingredients in the pot, make sure to pack them tightly to prevent the dish from falling apart when you flip it over. Start with a layer of rice, then add the eggplant, followed by the meat and vegetables. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the pot.
Let it rest: After flipping the maklouba onto a serving platter, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to cut into slices.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make a delicious and impressive eggplant maklouba that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Conclusion
As someone who loves Middle Eastern cuisine, I highly recommend trying eggplant maklouba. With its layers of flavorful ingredients and unique cooking methods, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.
One thing to keep in mind is that it does require some preparation and cooking time, but the result is well worth the effort. Additionally, it’s a great dish for serving a group or for meal prep, as it reheats well and can be enjoyed for several days.
If you’re new to cooking with eggplant, don’t be intimidated! maklouba is a great way to get started, as the eggplant is cooked until it’s tender and flavorful. Plus, the spices and herbs used in the dish help to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
Overall, I highly recommend giving eggplant maklouba a try. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Did you know? It’s best to have maklouba with flatbread.
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