Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Jordan with Maqluba, a beloved one-pot dish that captivates both the palate and the eye. Meaning "upside-down" in Arabic, Maqluba is a vibrant medley of fragrant rice, tender vegetables, and succulent meat, harmoniously layered and cooked together to perfection. This traditional Jordanian delicacy is a celebration of flavors and textures, where each ingredient contributes to the symphony of taste. After simmering to savory perfection, the pièce de résistance occurs as the pot is elegantly flipped upside down, unveiling the stunning arrangement of colors and aromas. Embark on a culinary journey through Jordan with Maqluba, a dish that encapsulates the warmth and hospitality of the Middle East in every delectable bite.

Ingredients:

 - 2 cups long-grain rice

 - 1 lb meat (chicken, lamb, or beef), cut into chunks

 - 2 onions, thinly sliced

 - 2 large tomatoes, sliced

 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced

 - 2 medium eggplants, sliced

 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

 - 1 cup cauliflower florets

 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil

 - 4 cups chicken or beef broth

 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin

 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 - Salt and pepper to taste

 - Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.

2- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are softened and lightly golden.

3- Add the meat chunks to the pot and brown them on all sides. Season with salt, pepper, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon.

4- Once the meat is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, arrange the sliced vegetables in layers, starting with potatoes, then eggplants, carrots, and cauliflower. Top with sliced tomatoes.

5- Place the browned meat on top of the vegetable layers.

6- Spread the soaked rice evenly over the meat layer.

7- Carefully pour the chicken or beef broth over the rice until it is completely covered.

8- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

9- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.

10- To serve, place a large serving platter over the pot and carefully flip it upside down, so the rice and vegetables are now on top.

11- Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired.

12- Serve hot and enjoy this delicious Jordanian Maqluba!

Note: You can customize the vegetables and meat according to your preference. Additionally, some variations of Maqluba include adding pine nuts or almonds for extra flavor and texture.

Nutritional Values :

Here’s the nutritional breakdown and benefits for each ingredient in your dish:

Long-Grain Rice (2 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 400

  - Fat: 0.8 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 88 grams

  - Protein: 8 grams

Benefits: Provides a good source of energy through carbohydrates and has a low glycemic index compared to other rice varieties.

Meat (1 lb or 450g):

Chicken (bone-in, skinless):

   - Calories: Approximately 800

   - Fat: 40 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

   - Protein: 80 grams

Benefits: High in protein, supports muscle growth and repair, and provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Lamb:

   - Calories: Approximately 1,400

   - Fat: 100 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

   - Protein: 80 grams

Benefits: Rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Supports muscle growth, immune function, and overall health.

Beef:

   - Calories: Approximately 1,000

   - Fat: 80 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

   - Protein: 70 grams

Benefits: Provides protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Supports muscle development, energy production, and immune health.

Onions (2 large, thinly sliced):

  - Calories: Approximately 80

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 19 grams

  - Protein: 2 grams

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and compounds that support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Tomatoes (2 large, sliced):

  - Calories: Approximately 44

  - Fat: 0.4 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 10 grams

  - Protein: 2 grams

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, and antioxidants like lycopene. Supports heart health and skin health.

Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and sliced):

  - Calories: Approximately 320

  - Fat: 0.4 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 72 grams

  - Protein: 8 grams

Benefits: Provides carbohydrates and essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C. Adds substance to the dish.

Eggplants (2 medium, sliced):

  - Calories: Approximately 70

  - Fat: 0.5 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 17 grams

  - Protein: 2 grams

Benefits: Low in calories and high in antioxidants. Supports heart health and aids digestion.

Carrots (2 medium, peeled and sliced):

  - Calories: Approximately 50

  - Fat: 0.2 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 12 grams

  - Protein: 1 gram

Benefits: High in beta-carotene (vitamin A), supports vision, immune function, and skin health.

Cauliflower Florets (1 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 25

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 5 grams

  - Protein: 2 grams

Benefits: Low in calories and high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Supports digestion and overall health.

Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 240

  - Fat: 28 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Provides healthy fats for cooking, adds flavor and richness to the dish.

Chicken or Beef Broth (4 cups):

  - Chicken Broth:

   - Calories: Approximately 60

   - Fat: 1 gram

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Protein: 6 grams

Benefits: Adds flavor and nutrients to the dish. Contains minerals and collagen from bones.

Beef Broth:

   - Calories: Approximately 90

   - Fat: 2 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 2 grams

   - Protein: 8 grams

Benefits: Adds flavor and nutrients to the dish. Contains minerals and collagen from bones.

Ground Turmeric (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Approximately 8

  - Fat: 0.2 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 1.5 grams

  - Protein: 0.3 grams

Benefits: Contains curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Approximately 8

  - Fat: 0.4 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 1.5 grams

  - Protein: 0.4 grams

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and supports metabolic health.

Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Approximately 6

  - Fat: 0.3 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 1.5 grams

  - Protein: 0.1 grams

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, may help regulate blood sugar levels, and supports digestive health.

Salt (to taste):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Enhances flavor and helps maintain fluid balance in the body.

Black Pepper (to taste)

  - Calories: Approximately 6 (for 1 teaspoon)

  - Fat: 0.1 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 1.5 grams

  - Protein: 0.2 grams

Benefits: Adds flavor and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Chopped Parsley or Cilantro (for garnish, optional):

  - Calories: Approximately 5 (for 1/4 cup)

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Protein: 0.5 grams

Benefits: Adds freshness and provides vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as cooking methods and specific brands/products used.