Lebanese Makloubeh: The Upside-Down Feast
Experience a visual and culinary spectacle with this traditional Levantine dish, where layers of spiced meat, fragrant rice, and golden vegetables are flipped upside down just before serving. It is a perfect centerpiece for Week 39, offering warm autumnal spices and a dramatic presentation that will wow your family.
In short
Lebanese Makloubeh: The Upside-Down Feast takes about 70 minutes (25 min prep, 45 min cooking), serves 4 and needs 10 ingredients.
Ingredients
- Basmati rice2 cups
- Ground beef or lamb500 g
- Large eggplant1 stk
- Medium cauliflower0.5 stk
- Onion, finely chopped1 stk
- Chicken or beef stock750 ml
- Baharat spice blend (or mix of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves)2 tbsp
- Toasted pine nuts50 g
- Fresh parsley, chopped1 handful
- Olive oil3 tbsp
Instructions
- 1
Slice the eggplant into rounds and break the cauliflower into florets. Brush them with olive oil and roast in the oven at 200°C for 20 minutes, or pan-fry until they are deep golden brown and tender.
- 2
In a large pot, sauté the onion and ground meat until browned. Stir in half of the Baharat spice blend and season with salt and pepper.
- 3
On top of the meat in the pot, arrange a layer of the golden eggplant slices, followed by a layer of the cauliflower florets. Spread the rinsed, uncooked rice evenly over the vegetables.
- 4
Whisk the remaining spices into the stock and gently pour it over the rice. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy.
- 5
Remove from heat and let the pot sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Place a large serving platter over the pot, then carefully and quickly flip it upside down. Wait one minute, then slowly lift the pot to reveal the layered tower.
- 6
Decorate the top with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley. Serve immediately with a side of cold Greek yogurt or a simple cucumber salad.
Questions and answers
How long does Lebanese Makloubeh: The Upside-Down Feast take?
About 70 minutes in total: 25 minutes prep and 45 minutes cooking.
How many servings does it make?
The recipe serves 4.
What ingredients do I need?
You need 10 ingredients: Basmati rice, Ground beef or lamb, Large eggplant, Medium cauliflower, Onion, finely chopped, Chicken or beef stock …. With Veloop you can add them all to your shopping list.
