Upside Down (Maqluba) Recipe

Name: Upside Down (Maqluba)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 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

Servings: persons

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

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.", "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.", "Layer the lamb into the bottom of the large pot. Arrange the eggplant, zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower on top of the lamb in layers. Pour the rice over the meat and vegetables, shaking the pot gently to allow the rice to settle into the dish. Pour the reserved cooking liquid from the lamb over the mixture until it is completely covered. Add water if needed.", "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."]

1769

kcal

Calories

147

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 7 cups water, 2 onions, chopped, 1 tablespoon chopped garlic, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and more.

Yes, Upside Down (Maqluba) falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Upside Down (Maqluba)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions