Oven-Baked Lamb Maqluba – Traditional Upside-Down Rice Dish

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Oven-Baked Lamb Maqluba – Traditional Upside-Down Rice Dish

Maqluba (literally “upside-down”) is one of the most beloved Middle Eastern dishes, famous for its rich layers of rice, vegetables, and meat. In this version, the dish is prepared with tender lamb and baked in the oven, making it hearty, flavorful, and beautifully presented. It’s a favorite for family gatherings and a meal that provides plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Ingredients

Oven-Baked Lamb Maqluba

 

  • Rice

  • Eggplant (cut into rounds)

  • Lamb meat (chunks)

  • Onion

  • Garlic

  • Chicken broth

  • Butter

  • Mixed spices (to taste)

  • Cauliflower florets

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

  • Soak the rice for about 30 minutes, then drain.

  • Mix with spices of your choice and let rest for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Fry the Vegetables and Meat

  • Slice the eggplant into 2 cm thick rounds, salt them to remove excess moisture, then fry until golden brown.

  • Fry the lamb pieces until browned. Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes.

  • Add chicken broth, garlic, and water. Simmer for 1 hour until the meat is tender.

  • Remove the lamb, reserving the broth. Stir in butter to help it withstand oven baking.

Step 3: Assemble the Maqluba

  • In a deep ovenproof pot or dish, place the cauliflower florets on the bottom.

  • Cover with half of the spiced rice.

  • Add a layer of fried eggplant, followed by the lamb pieces.

  • Top with the remaining rice. Make sure the pot is filled no more than two-thirds of its capacity, as the rice will expand while cooking.

  • Pour the hot broth over the rice until fully covered. Add a little water if needed.

Step 4: Seal and Bake

  • Roll out dough into a sheet large enough to cover the pot with about 3 cm extra hanging over the sides.

  • Cover the pot tightly with the dough, sealing the edges well.

  • Preheat the oven and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 45 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.

Serving

Once ready, carefully remove the dish from the oven, flip it upside down onto a large serving platter, and remove the dough cover. The result is a stunning, layered presentation of rice, vegetables, and lamb.

Nutritional Value

Every 300 g serving provides approximately:

  • 830 calories

  • 22 g protein

  • 78 g carbohydrates

  • 49 g fat

Oven-baked lamb maqluba is a complete, hearty meal—rich in flavor, beautifully layered, and perfect for sharing with family.

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