Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1170 · Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice with Chicken and Eggplant)

Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice with Chicken and Eggplant), and where to source it

Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice with Chicken and Eggplant) — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice with Chicken and Eggplant) Palestinian 5best2buy.com

Let the finished pot rest a full 15 minutes before the flip so the rice settles and holds, or it slumps and the tower collapses the moment you lift the pot.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep40 min
Cook60 min
Makesserves 6
CuisinePalestinian
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
chicken thighs and drumsticks
2.5 lb
1.1 kg
Local / market
eggplant
2 large
700 g
Source it →
long-grain rice
2.5 cups
460 g
Local / market
cauliflower florets
2 cups
250 g
Source it →
seven-spice blend (baharat)
2 tbsp
14 g
Local / market
onion
1
1
Source it →
frying oil
1 cup
240 ml
Local / market
salt
to taste
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Simmer the chicken with onion and half the baharat to make a spiced broth, then lift out the chicken.30 min
  2. Slice and fry the eggplant and cauliflower until golden; soak the rinsed rice with the remaining baharat and salt.20 min
  3. Layer chicken on the bottom of a pot, then eggplant and cauliflower, then the drained rice pressed flat.10 min
  4. Pour in enough hot broth to just cover, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on very low until absorbed.35 min
  5. Rest 15 minutes, set a platter over the pot, and flip in one confident motion to release the tower.15 min
The Toolkit

wide heavy pot · large frying pan · serving platter

Straight Answers
Can you make Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice with Chicken and Eggplant) in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice with Chicken and Eggplant)? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice with Chicken and Eggplant) ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice with Chicken and Eggplant) gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice with Chicken and Eggplant) vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1170