Vegetable Maqluba

Vegetable Maqluba is a beautifully layered rice dish that flips to reveal a colorful assortment of vegetables, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. This vegetarian Lebanese recipe bursts with flavors and provides a wholesome meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 1 cup
• Water - 2 cups
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, thinly sliced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, sliced
• Eggplant - 1 small, sliced into rounds
• Zucchini - 1 small, sliced
• Bell pepper - 1 small, diced
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the carrot, eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, and tomato. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
5. Add the ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
6. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot, stirring gently to combine with the vegetables.
7. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
8. After 20 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to allow the rice to steam.
9. To serve, carefully invert the pot onto a large serving platter so that the rice and vegetables flip out together. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 7 g
• Carbs: 62 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from various vegetables.

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