Traditional Damascene Maklobah
What is Maklobah?
Maklobah (maqluba) is a delicious Middle Eastern dish. It is a flavourful and hearty rice dish that is perfect for any occasion. Maklobah, which means "upside down" in Arabic, gets its name from the way it is served - the pot is flipped upside down onto a serving platter, revealing the beautiful layers of rice, meat, and vegetables.
Ingredients
To make Traditional Damascene Maklobah, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of rice
- 1 pound of lamb preferably shanks, cut into pieces
- 3 large aubergine, sliced
- 2 sliced tomato
- 2.5 tablespoon of tomato puree
- Ghee for frying or vegetable oil
- Meat stew seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these steps to make Traditional Damascene Maklobah:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain the rice and set it aside.
Step 2: Fry the Vegetables
In a large frying pan, heat the Ghee (or oil) over medium heat. Fry the aubergine slices until golden brown. Remove the aubergine from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
In a separate pot, heat some Ghee (or oil) over medium heat. Add the lamb pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides. Add enough water to cover the meat, and add the stew seasonings and let it simmer until the meat is tender.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
In a large pot, layer the ingredients in the following order: the sliced tomato, the fried eggplant, the cooked meat, and finally, the rice. Make sure to spread each layer evenly.
Step 5: Cook the Maklobah
Add the tomato puree, salt and pepper to water enough to cover the rice. Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the Maklobah simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the flavors have melded together.
Step 6: Serve the Maklobah
Once the Maklobah is cooked, carefully flip the pot upside down onto a large serving platter. The layers of rice, meat, and vegetables should now be beautifully displayed. Serve the Maklobah hot and enjoy!
Conclusion
Traditional Damascene Maklobah is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the Middle East to your table. With its layers of fragrant rice, tender meat, and crispy vegetables, it is sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try and experience the taste of Damascus in your own home!
Do not have time to do make it at home, order it now ready to eat form our partner Abu Zaad restaurant (order here)