Savory Makloubeh with Cauliflower and Potatoes
Savory Makloubeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that beautifully layers spiced meat, fragrant rice, and vibrant vegetables. Originating from the Levant, this aromatic dish can be prepared with chicken, lamb, or beef, each imparting its unique flavor to the dish. The dish is best served with a side of cooling plain yogurt and a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad, making it a perfect option for family gatherings or festive occasions. With its delightful presentation and satisfying taste, this Makloubeh is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for more.
N/A
Servings
197
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
1 large (Break into medium-sized florets.)
Potatoes
5 medium (Peel and cut into large cubes.)
Chicken or Beef
1.5 lbs (Cut into cubes.)
Rice
2 cups (Soak in hot water and drain.)
Allspice
0.5 teaspoon (Ground.)
Pepper
0.5 teaspoon (Ground.)
Salt
4 teaspoons (or to taste) (For seasoning.)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped.)
Garlic Powder
1 dash (For seasoning.)
Butter
2 tablespoons (For sautéing.)
Oil
as needed (For frying.)
Water or Meat Broth
3.5 cups (For cooking the rice.)
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling the meat in a large pot of water over medium heat. Skim off any froth that rises to the surface to ensure a clean broth.
2
Once the broth is clear, add allspice, pepper, salt, and a dash of garlic powder. Cover the pot and allow the meat to simmer over moderate heat until tender, which may take about 30-40 minutes.
3
Strain the broth into a bowl, reserving the meat for later use. The broth will be used to cook the rice.
4
While the meat is simmering, prepare the cauliflower by breaking it into medium-sized florets. Sprinkle the florets with a little salt and fry them in hot oil until they turn golden brown. Drain them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
5
Next, peel the potatoes and cut them into large cubes. Fry the cubes in hot oil until they're golden and crispy. Drain them on absorbent paper as well.
6
In a 4-quart pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until softened. Add the reserved meat back to the pot and mix well.
7
Layer the fried cauliflower and potatoes over the sautéed meat and onions. Add the soaked and drained rice on top of the vegetables.
8
Pour the previously strained broth or water over the rice until it’s just covered. Bring to a rapid boil.
9
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
10
After cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 30 minutes. To serve, carefully turn the pot upside down onto a large platter or plate, allowing the contents to slide out beautifully.
11
For an optional garnish, lightly sauté some pine nuts in a bit of butter and sprinkle them on top before serving.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
15.8g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Makloubeh?
Savory Makloubeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dish from the Levant that layers spiced meat, fragrant rice, and vibrant vegetables, served by flipping the pot upside down.
What does the name Makloubeh mean?
The name Makloubeh literally refers to the upside-down presentation of the dish once it is served on a platter.
What types of meat can be used in this recipe?
This recipe can be prepared using 1.5 lbs of chicken, lamb, or beef cut into cubes.
What are the primary vegetables in this Makloubeh?
The primary vegetables used are one large cauliflower and five medium potatoes.
How should the cauliflower be prepared?
The cauliflower should be broken into medium-sized florets, sprinkled with salt, and fried in hot oil until golden brown.
How are the potatoes prepared for the dish?
Potatoes should be peeled, cut into large cubes, and fried in hot oil until they are golden and crispy.
Which spices are used to season the meat broth?
The broth is seasoned with 0.5 teaspoon of allspice, 0.5 teaspoon of pepper, salt, and a dash of garlic powder.
Should the rice be soaked before cooking?
Yes, the 2 cups of rice should be soaked in hot water and then drained before being added to the pot.
How long does the meat need to simmer?
The meat should simmer in water over moderate heat for approximately 30-40 minutes until tender.
What is the purpose of skimming the broth while boiling meat?
Skimming off the froth that rises to the surface ensures a clean and clear broth for cooking the rice.
What size pot is recommended for this recipe?
A 4-quart pot is recommended for layering the ingredients and cooking the Makloubeh.
In what order should the ingredients be layered?
Layer the sauteed meat and onions at the bottom, followed by the fried cauliflower and potatoes, and finally the rice on top.
How much liquid is needed to cook the rice?
You need 3.5 cups of the reserved meat broth or water to cover the rice for cooking.
How long does the rice take to cook?
The rice should cook on low heat for about 40 minutes or until the liquid has been fully absorbed.
Why must the pot sit for 30 minutes after cooking?
Allowing the pot to cool for 30 minutes helps the layers set so the dish slides out beautifully when turned upside down.
What are the recommended garnishes for Makloubeh?
Lightly sauteed pine nuts in butter are a recommended optional garnish to sprinkle on top before serving.
What side dishes pair well with Savory Makloubeh?
It is best served with a side of cooling plain yogurt and a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 197 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 17.5g of protein per serving.
How much fat does this recipe contain?
Each serving contains 7.5g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
The dish contains 15.8g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in a serving of Makloubeh?
There are 2.5g of fiber per serving.
How much salt is suggested for the recipe?
The recipe suggests 4 teaspoons of salt or salt to taste for seasoning.
How is the onion prepared?
One medium onion should be chopped and sauteed in 2 tablespoons of butter until softened.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, a dash of garlic powder is added to the meat broth for extra flavor.
What should I do with the meat once it is tender?
Strain the broth into a bowl and reserve the meat to be sauteed with onions before layering.
Can I use water if I run out of meat broth?
Yes, you can use 3.5 cups of water as an alternative to the meat broth for cooking the rice.
Is this dish suitable for festive occasions?
Yes, its delightful presentation and satisfying taste make it a perfect option for family gatherings or festive occasions.
How do you remove the Makloubeh from the pot?
Carefully turn the pot upside down onto a large platter or plate, allowing the contents to slide out as a layered cake.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients used in this Savory Makloubeh recipe.