VEGETARIAN MAQLOUBA

Maqlouba is a beloved Middle Eastern dish known for its dramatic presentation and comforting flavors. This vegetarian version is layered with golden fried vegetables, fragrant rice, and warming spices — then flipped upside down for the perfect reveal.

🌿 Vegetarian Maqlouba - Upside-Down Spiced Rice with Fried Vegetables

Ingredients

Vegetables:

2 aubergines (eggplants), peeled and sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 large onion, sliced

1 large carrot, sliced

1 courgette (zucchini), sliced

3 tomatoes, sliced

2 large potatoes, peeled and sliced

350g basmati rice, washed

4 tbsp tomato paste

2 tbsp vegetable oil (for rice)

1 tsp black pepper

3 tsp salt

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp seven spice

Vegetable oil (as needed)

Instructions

Peel and slice all vegetables evenly.

Sprinkle salt on the aubergine slices and let sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture. Squeeze gently and pat dry with a paper towel.

In a large frying pan, heat oil and fry all vegetables in batches until golden. Drain on paper towels.

In a pot, add the soaked rice and enough water to cover it by 2 cm.

Add tomato paste, oil, and all the spices. Stir well and cook over medium heat until the water evaporates. The rice should be only partially cooked. Set aside.

Assemble the Maqlouba

In a large, deep non-stick pot, layer the sliced vegetables on the bottom as desired.

Spoon the rice over the vegetables and press down gently.

Wrap the pot lid in a clean tea towel (to absorb steam) and cover the pot tightly.

Cook on low heat for 45 minutes.

Let rest 10 minutes before flipping.

Place a large serving dish over the pot, hold firmly, and invert quickly and carefully.

Serve hot with a side of salad, plain yogurt, or a garlicky cucumber yogurt sauce.