Mar 13, 2026
Authentic Palestinian Maqluba: The Traditional Upside-Down Rice and Chicken
Maqluba is the most iconic dish in Palestinian cuisine. Known as the “Upside-Down” dish, it has been a symbol of Palestinian hospitality for generations. This flavorful masterpiece combines perfectly spiced rice, tender chicken, and fried vegetables, creating a beautiful cake-like presentation when flipped.
IngredientsChicken:
1 whole chicken (cut into 4 or 8 pieces).Vegetables: 1 large eggplant (the soul of Palestinian Maqluba), 1 head of cauliflower, and 2 sliced potatoes.Rice: 3 cups of short-grain rice (preferred in Palestine) or Basmati rice.Spices: 1 tbsp of Palestinian Maqluba spices (Allspice, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Cardamom, and a touch of Nutmeg).Base: Sliced tomatoes for the bottom of the pot.Garnish: Golden roasted almonds and fresh parsley.
How to PrepareThe Chicken: Sauté onions with chicken pieces, then boil with aromatic spices until tender. Save the rich broth for the rice.The Vegetables: Slice and fry the eggplant, cauliflower, and potatoes until golden brown.The Assembly: In a large pot, start by placing tomato slices at the bottom (to prevent sticking), then layer the cooked chicken, followed by the fried vegetables.The Rice: Add the soaked rice on top of the vegetables. Pour the boiling chicken broth carefully over the rice (it should be about 2cm above the rice level).Slow Cooking: Cover and simmer on low heat for 30–45 minutes.The Tradition: Once done, let the pot rest for 10 minutes. Place a large serving tray on top and flip it with confidence! Lift the pot slowly to reveal the layers.
Authentic Palestinian Maqluba is the centerpiece of Levantine cuisine. This stunning dish layers tender chicken, golden fried vegetables, and aromatic spiced rice.Ingredients:Chicken pieces.Fried eggplant, cauliflower, and potatoes.Basmati or short-grain rice.Maqluba spices (Turmeric, Cinnamon, Allspice).
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