Layered Arabic Makloubeh with Spiced Beef and Fried Eggplant
Makloubeh is a beloved Middle Eastern dish known for its unique layered presentation and rich, comforting flavors. Often served during festive occasions and family gatherings, this dish incorporates tender spiced ground beef, golden fried eggplant, and aromatic basmati rice, all cooked together in one pot for maximum flavor. This Jordanian-inspired version adds a touch of warmth with allspice and fresh black pepper, creating a filling meal that pairs beautifully with fresh mixed salad and a cool yogurt-cucumber side. Each bite delivers a harmony of textures and tastes that will transport you to the bustling markets of the Middle East. Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or enjoying a hearty meal at home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean ground beef
1 kg (minced)
Large aubergines
3 (sliced lengthwise)
Sunflower oil
2 cups (for frying)
Basmati rice or brown basmati rice
450 g (washed and soaked)
Large onions
2 (finely chopped)
Mixed Arabic spices or allspice
1 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Cold water
2 liters
Fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Turmeric
1 teaspoon (ground)
Melted butter
4 tablespoons (for frying almonds)
Blanched split almonds
200 g (chopped or whole)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2
Finely chop the onions and slice the aubergines lengthwise into even pieces.
3
In a lidded saucepan, heat half of the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, stirring to combine. Cover the pan and cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the onions to soften.
4
Uncover the pan and add the ground beef to the softened onions. Use a fork to break the meat apart as it cooks, then increase the heat slightly. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally and then set it aside.
5
In a separate skillet, heat the remaining sunflower oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced eggplants and fry them until they turn golden brown on both sides. This should take a few minutes.
6
Carefully remove the fried eggplant slices from the skillet using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil, ensuring they remain crisp and not overly greasy.
7
In a large pot, mix just under 2 liters of cold water with the turmeric, mixed Arabic spices (or allspice), and 2 teaspoons of salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
8
In a large greased ovenproof dish, layer half of the cooked minced beef on the bottom. Next, layer half of the golden fried eggplant slices over the beef, followed by half of the rinsed rice. Repeat these layers, finishing with a final layer of rice on top.
9
Carefully pour the spiced water mixture over the layered casserole. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and bake for 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
10
While the casserole is baking, prepare the blanched almonds by heating the melted butter in a small skillet. Add the almonds and sauté until they are golden and fragrant.
11
Once the Makloubeh is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. To serve, carefully invert the casserole onto a large serving dish, revealing the beautiful layers. Garnish with the fried almonds and drizzle the fried butter over the top.
12
Serve warm with a mixed salad and a refreshing yogurt-cucumber salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Makloubeh?
Makloubeh is a beloved Middle Eastern dish known for its unique layered presentation and rich, comforting flavors, often served during festive occasions.
Where does this specific recipe originate?
This is a Jordanian-inspired version of Makloubeh that incorporates warm spices like allspice and turmeric.
What are the primary layers in this dish?
The dish consists of layers of tender spiced ground beef, golden fried eggplant, and aromatic basmati rice.
What type of meat is used?
The recipe calls for 1 kg of lean ground beef, which is minced and browned with onions.
How should the aubergines be prepared?
Three large aubergines should be sliced lengthwise and fried in sunflower oil until they turn golden brown on both sides.
What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
You can use either white basmati rice or brown basmati rice, ensuring it is washed and soaked before cooking.
How do I clean the rice?
Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear, then drain it before use.
What spices are used to flavor the cooking water?
The water is seasoned with turmeric, mixed Arabic spices or allspice, and salt.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 165 degrees Celsius.
How long does the Makloubeh need to bake?
The casserole should bake for 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavored water.
How do I serve the Makloubeh?
Once finished baking, let it sit for a few minutes, then carefully invert the casserole onto a large serving dish to reveal the layers.
What is used as a garnish for this dish?
The dish is garnished with blanched split almonds that have been sauteed in butter until golden.
What side dishes pair well with Makloubeh?
It is traditionally served with a fresh mixed salad and a refreshing yogurt-cucumber salad.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While this recipe uses beef, it is tagged as having a vegetarian option, likely by omitting the meat or using a meat substitute.
How do I prevent the fried eggplant from being too greasy?
Place the fried eggplant slices on paper towels after frying to drain any excess oil.
How much water is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires just under 2 liters of cold water mixed with spices.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 large onions, which should be finely chopped.
What should I do with the melted butter?
Use 4 tablespoons of melted butter to fry the almonds and then drizzle the remaining butter over the finished dish.
How many layers are in the dish?
The beef, eggplant, and rice are layered twice in a large greased ovenproof dish.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The process begins with rinsing the basmati rice and preparing the vegetables.
How do I cook the ground beef?
Add the beef to softened onions and use a fork to break it apart, cooking for about 10 minutes until browned.
How long should the spiced water simmer?
Bring the spiced water mixture to a boil and then lower the heat to simmer for about 5 minutes.
What is the purpose of the turmeric in this recipe?
Turmeric provides a vibrant yellow color and a subtle earthy flavor to the rice and water mixture.
How much salt is used in the dish?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of salt, which is added to the water mixture.
What type of oil is used for frying?
Sunflower oil is used for both softening the onions and frying the eggplant slices.
Is black pepper included in the spice profile?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper is used to add warmth to the dish.
How much rice is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 450 grams of basmati rice.
What should be the top layer before baking?
The final layer of the casserole should be the remaining portion of the rinsed rice.
Why should the dish sit before inverting?
Letting the dish sit for a few minutes helps the layers settle, making it easier to invert without falling apart.
Is this recipe suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, it is described as a perfect meal for impressing guests due to its beautiful presentation and hearty nature.