I recently discovered a new twist on an old family favorite. Keto maqluba with cauliflower rice is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that is perfect for anyone who is following a low-carb or keto diet. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
One evening, my family and I had dinner at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Atlanta. Our middle-aged waiter recommended this keto dish, and we decided to give it a try. It was love at first bite! The combination of tender chicken, fragrant spices, and perfectly cooked cauliflower rice was simply divine.
If you’re looking for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal that’s full of flavor and easy to make, then keto maqluba with cauliflower rice is the perfect choice. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting on your keto journey, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
While we were savoring our meal, a belly dance performance took place at the restaurant and we were all attracted to the music and the dancer’s moves.
After enjoying the delicious keto maqluba, I was eager to recreate the dish at home. As soon as the performance ended, I approached the chef and requested the recipe. To my delight, the chef agreed to share the recipe with me.
The recipe for keto maqluba with cauliflower rice is surprisingly simple and easy to follow. It requires just a few ingredients and can be prepared in under an hour. Here are the ingredients, as provided by the chef: Stir-fried beef, onion, tomatoes, green peppers, large eggplant, salt, frozen cauliflower rice, tomato Paste, and light olive oil.
Accompanied dishes
When I make this keto maqluba, I like to serve it with a few dishes that complement its flavors and textures. Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve alongside keto maqluba:
- Tabbouleh salad: This refreshing salad made with parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat (which can be substituted with cauliflower rice) is a perfect complement to the rich and savory flavors of keto maqluba. I like to dress it with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing.
- Grilled vegetables: I love to grill some zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers and serve them alongside keto maqluba. The smoky flavor of the grilled vegetables pairs beautifully with the spices in the maqluba.
- Yogurt sauce: A simple yogurt sauce made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and salt is a great way to add some tanginess to your meal. Drizzle it over the maqluba or use it as a dip for your vegetables.
- Pickles: A bowl of tangy pickles, like pickled cucumbers or turnips, is a great way to add some acidity and crunch to your meal. Plus, the probiotics in the pickles can be beneficial for gut health.
Ingredients:
- 300g of stir fry beef
- 1 sliced onion
- 3 sliced tomatoes
- 2 diced green peppers
- 1 large sliced eggplant
- Light olive oil
- Salt to season
For the cauliflower rice:
- 340g of frozen cauliflower rice (thawed)
- 1 diced onion
- 1 tbsp of tomato paste
- 1 tbsp of light olive oil
- ½ -1 tsp of salt
How to Make the Keto Maqluba with Cauliflower Rice?
- Place sliced eggplants on a wire rack, season with sea salt, and set aside for 10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a frypan on high. Fry diced green peppers until cooked, then remove and set aside.
- Fry sliced onion until cooked, remove, and set aside.
- Cook sliced tomatoes on both sides, remove, and set aside.
- Dab eggplant with a paper towel to remove excess water.
- Add more olive oil to the frypan, cook sliced eggplants on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- Add stir-fry beef, season with salt, and cook until brown. Remove and set aside.
Making the Cauliflower Rice:
- In the frypan, heat the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion until cooked, then add the cauliflower rice and cook.
- Mix in the tomato paste and salt. Cook for 10 minutes, then set aside.
- Lightly oil a baking dish. Arrange tomatoes, green peppers, sliced onions, sliced eggplant, and stir-fry beef in layers.
- Season with salt. Add the cauliflower rice.
- Bake at 350F/180C for 20 mins.
- Place a large dish on top, then flip!
Common Mistakes and Tips
When making keto maqluba with cauliflower rice, there are a few common mistakes to avoid and tips to keep in mind to ensure your dish turns out delicious.
A common mistake is not layering the ingredients properly. Maqluba is traditionally made by layering rice, vegetables, and meat in a pot and then flipping it over onto a serving platter. To ensure that the layers stay intact, it’s important to pack them tightly and evenly. Use a spatula to press down on each layer before adding the next one.
When using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, it’s important to keep in mind that cauliflower tends to release more liquid than rice when cooked. To avoid a watery dish, use less liquid than you would with rice and cook the cauliflower rice separately before adding it to the pot.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and flavorings. Maqluba is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Try adding cumin, turmeric, or paprika for a more flavorful dish.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make a delicious keto maqluba that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making keto maqluba with cauliflower rice is a great way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it’s a perfect option for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet.
By using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, you can significantly reduce the amount of carbs in the dish. Plus, cauliflower is a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious alternative to rice.
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can easily swap out the meat and vegetables to create different variations of the dish. For example, you could use chicken instead of beef, or add in some eggplant or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
Overall, keto maqluba with cauliflower rice is a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for anyone looking to eat low-carb or keto. Give it a try and see for yourself how tasty and satisfying it can be!
By the way, as a dessert, you can serve keto pistachio halva.
Get its recipe now (by clicking the image below):
