Yellow Maqloob

Yellow Maqloob, also known as Maqluba, is a traditional Kurdish dish that beautifully layers tender chicken, an array of fried vegetables, and fragrant basmati rice spiced to perfection. This inverted rice dish combines a medley of textures and flavors, making it a captivating centerpiece for any meal.

Ingredients

🍚 2 cups of basmati rice
🍗 1 chicken cut into pieces, boiled for about 15 minutes
🥦 1 cauliflower, cut into florets
🍆 2 eggplants, sliced
🥒 Green beans, trimmed
🥔 4 potatoes, peeled and sliced
🥕 Carrots, sliced
🧅 1 onion, sliced
🍅 2 tomatoes, diced
🟡 1 tablespoon of curry powder
🧂 2 tablespoons of chicken bouillon
🧂 1/2 tablespoon of allspice
🌿 1 teaspoon of turmeric
🧂 1/2 tablespoon of black pepper
🌿 1 teaspoon of cumin
🧂 1 teaspoon of salt
🍗 2 cups of chicken broth
💧 1 cup of water
🛢️ 4 tablespoons of oil (for frying)

Instructions

1- Prepare the Chicken:

Boil the chicken pieces in water, adding salt and black pepper for about 15 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside, reserving the broth for later.

2- Prepare the Vegetables:

Clean and cut the cauliflower, eggplants, green beans, potatoes, carrots, and onion.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat and fry each vegetable separately until golden brown. Also, lightly fry the boiled chicken pieces.

3- Prepare the Rice:

Wash and soak the basmati rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
In a pot, add 4 tablespoons of oil and sauté the drained rice over medium heat.
Add the curry powder, chicken bouillon, allspice, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, and salt, stirring well.
Pour in the reserved chicken broth and an additional cup of water, mixing thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

4- Assemble the Maqloob:

In a large pot, add 4 tablespoons of oil. Layer the bottom with the diced tomatoes.
Arrange the fried chicken pieces on top of the tomatoes. Follow by layering all the fried vegetables.
Top with the spiced rice.

5- Cook the Maqloob:

Place the pot on high heat for 10 minutes, allowing the liquid to begin evaporating.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for an additional 40 to 50 minutes.

6- Serve:

Once cooked, place a large serving platter over the pot, carefully invert the Maqloob onto the platter.
Serve hot, optionally garnished with toasted almonds and paired with a fresh salad.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Calories: Approx. 450 per serving
Nutritional Information (per serving): Approx. 35g protein, 15g fat, 45g carbohydrates
Equipment: Large pot, skillet, serving platter