Discover the Deliciousness of Palestinian Makluba: A Guide to this Mouth-Watering Dish - PaliRoots

Discover the Deliciousness of Palestinian Makluba: A Guide to this Mouth-Watering Dish

Are you a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine? If so, you need to try Makluba, a traditional Palestinian dish that will delight your taste buds and give you a glimpse into the rich culture of the region.


So, what exactly is Makluba? It's a savory, one-pot meal made with rice, vegetables, and meat (usually chicken or lamb). The ingredients are layered in a pot and cooked over low heat until the flavors meld together and the rice becomes tender and fragrant. Once the dish is cooked, it's flipped over onto a serving platter, revealing a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Makluba is believed to have originated in the Levant, a region in the Eastern Mediterranean that includes Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It's a popular dish throughout the region and is often served at special occasions and celebrations. In Palestinian culture, Makluba is often served for Friday lunch, as it's a dish that can be made in advance and reheated for a large group of people.

But how did Makluba get its name? The word "makluba" means "upside down" in Arabic, which refers to the flipping of the dish when it's served. There are various theories about the origin of the name, but one popular theory is that it was named this way because the dish was originally made with leftover ingredients and was flipped over to hide any imperfections.

Now that you have a basic understanding of what Makluba is, let's talk about how it's made. The ingredients and cooking method can vary depending on the region and personal preference, but the basic steps are as follows:

    1. First, you'll need to choose your protein. As mentioned earlier, chicken and lamb are the most common choices, but you can also use beef or even fish.
    2. Next, you'll need to prepare your vegetables. Common choices include eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, and carrots. These can be sliced or cubed and set aside.
    3. Now it's time to start layering the ingredients in the pot. Start with a layer of meat, followed by a layer of vegetables, then a layer of rice. Repeat these layers until all of the ingredients are used up, making sure to end with a layer of rice on top.
    4. Once the pot is full, add broth or water to the pot and bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let the dish simmer for about an hour, or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.
    5. Once the Makluba is cooked, carefully flip the pot over onto a large serving platter. Be sure to use oven mitts or a thick towel to protect your hands and wrists from the hot pot.
    6. Finally, garnish the dish with chopped herbs and serve hot.


Makluba is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day. It's perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home with friends and family. So, if you’re looking for your next family dinner inspiration, give this traditional Palestinian dish a try and add a little cultural flair to your next meal?

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