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5.0 from 6 votes

Makluba (Jordanian Upside-Down Lamb and Rice)

The word makluba actually means "upside down", and for good reason: this Jordanian dish is removed from the mold and turned over on a serving plate.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern , Jordanian

Ingredients

  • 2 lb lamb shank (or beef shank), boneless, cut into large cubes
  • 2 eggplants , cut into strips lengthwise
  • 2 cups rice
  • 1 onion , thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
  • 2 bay leaves
  • salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, sauté the onions and the meat, stirring for a few minutes until the meat is browned on all sides.
  2. Then add the salt, black pepper, allspice, cardamom, and bay leaves. Add 6 cups (1.5 liter) of water, then cover the pan and simmer until the meat is cooked, about 1h30 to 2 hours.
  3. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan. Add the eggplant slices and fry on both sides until golden brown. Place the eggplant on paper towel and set aside.
  4. In a large saucepan, arrange the eggplant slices all around at the bottom, rising slightly over the sides, then add the pieces of meat on top. Add 4 cups (1 liter) of the meat broth, the rice and a pinch of salt.
  5. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then cover the pan and simmer over low heat until the rice is cooked (about 25 minutes).
  6. Allow to cool for 15 minutes, then carefully turn the pan over a serving platter. Serve warm with yogurt or Arabic salad.