Maqlube a la Husny

Maqlube a la Husny: A Hearty Delight Upside Down

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

The History of Maqlube

Maqlube is a traditional dish that symbolizes hospitality and abundance. Its name, which translates to "upside down," refers to the way this dish is served - with a single gesture, flipped onto a large plate, revealing a colorful arrangement of meat, rice, and vegetables. It is a perfect recipe for family meals or special occasions, bringing together the rich flavors of spices and the succulent texture of fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:

- 1 chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 1 medium cauliflower
- 3 large tomatoes
- 3 carrots
- 1 large onion
- 300 ml rice (about one large cup)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 10 black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 10 cardamom pods
- 7 cloves
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom

Preparing Maqlube

Step 1: Preparing the chicken

Start by cleaning and washing the chicken well. Cut it into suitable pieces for boiling. Place it in a large pot, add the halved onion, peppercorns, allspice, cardamom, and cloves. Cover with water and add salt. Boil the chicken over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, until the meat is well cooked but not completely done. It should be quite tender, which will enhance the final texture of the dish.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables

Meanwhile, peel the carrots and slice them into rounds. Blanch them in salted water for about 5-7 minutes. This step will help preserve their color and texture. Break the cauliflower into florets and blanch in salted water for 3-4 minutes. Wash the tomatoes and slice them, which will form a delicious base layer.

Step 3: Preparing the rice

Rinse the rice in several waters to remove the starch. Then, soak it in warm water for 20 minutes. This step will help the rice absorb the flavors from the broth better and become fluffy.

Step 4: Assembling the dish

In a deeper oven-safe dish, layer sliced tomatoes on the bottom. Add the broth from boiling the chicken, then place the semi-cooked chicken pieces. Continue with the cauliflower florets and carrot rounds. In a separate bowl, mix the drained rice with turmeric, pepper, cumin, and salt. Pour the rice mixture over the vegetables and meat, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Add the broth from the pot, making sure it covers the rice by at least an inch.

Step 5: Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid and place it in the oven. Bake for 60-90 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid. If you notice the rice drying out too quickly, you can add a little water.

Step 6: Finishing the dish

Once the rice is ready, turn off the heat and add the 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Cover the dish and let it rest for 20 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to meld together and make the dish even tastier.

Step 7: Serving

To flip the Maqlube onto a plate, place a large plate on top of the dish and, with a quick motion, turn the dish over to let the dish settle onto the plate. This is the moment when the wonderful arrangement of vegetables, meat, and rice will be revealed. Serve Maqlube alongside a fresh green salad or yogurt to add a touch of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with lamb or beef, depending on your preferences. Each type of meat will add a specific flavor to the dish.

2. How can I vary the ingredients?
You can add other vegetables, such as potatoes or zucchini, or experiment with different spices, such as cinnamon or paprika for a different taste.

3. Is the recipe suitable for vegans or vegetarians?
You can adapt the recipe using a mix of vegetables and tofu instead of meat, and replacing chicken broth with vegetable broth.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe offers a balanced combination of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the rice, and vitamins from the vegetables. Cauliflower is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, while carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene. In short, Maqlube is not only a delicious dish but also a healthy choice for family meals.

Personal Note

To add extra flavor, you can sprinkle some toasted almonds or pistachios on top just before serving. These will not only add a crunchy texture but also an elegant touch to your dish.

Complementary Recipes and Drinks

Maqlube pairs perfectly with a tabbouleh salad or a Greek yogurt sauce. Additionally, a mint lemonade will ideally complement rice-based meals, bringing a contrast of freshness.

In conclusion, Maqlube a la Husny is a recipe that brings not only joy to your table but also the warmth of memories and culinary traditions. I encourage you to try this recipe at home and enjoy every flavor and texture!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken 1 cauliflower 3 tomatoes 3 carrots 1 onion 1 large cup (300 ml) rice 3 tablespoons olive oil salt pepper allspice 10 cardamom pods 7 cloves 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

 Tags:  chicken cauliflower spices tomatoes