Ultimate Iraqi Maklouba Upside Down Rice, Chicken and Vegetables /المقلوبي العراقي الاصيل

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu provides a plant-based option while chicken thighs are more economical.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is often less expensive.

eggplant

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: potatoes

Zucchini is lower in calories, and potatoes are a budget-friendly substitute.

spices

🥗Healthier: herbs

💰Cheaper: mixed seasoning

Fresh herbs can enhance flavor without added calories, while mixed seasoning is often cheaper.

Pad dry all the vegetables before frying.

Fry all vegetables over medium-high heat in shallow oil, starting with potatoes, then zucchini, green pepper, onion, eggplant, and finally tomato. Use as little oil as possible.

Brown the chicken pieces in about 1/4 cup oil from all sides over high heat. Once browned, cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes over low to medium heat.

Layer all the fried vegetables on top of the chicken pieces in the following order: chicken, potatoes, onion, tomato, green pepper, zucchini, eggplant, and finally tomato again.

Add the drained rice evenly on top of the vegetables.

Carefully add the tomato mixture on top of the rice, ensuring it is 1/4 inch higher than the rice.

Cover and cook on full flame until the liquid is almost gone, then press the rice with a spatula to level it.

Once the liquid is completely gone, press the rice firmly again, cover, and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.

Turn off the flame and let the pot sit for about 15 minutes.

Place the pot in a sink filled halfway with tap water for about 10 minutes to help flip it out easily.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: