Vegan Maqlouba: A traditional Middle Eastern dish, deliciously made!
Maqlouba, a traditional Middle Eastern dish celebrated during special occasions and family gatherings, typically features layers of rice, meat, eggplant, tomatoes, cauliflower, and spices all cooked together in one pot. However, it's entirely possible to craft a mouthwatering vegan version without sacrificing anything. Here's how to prepare a delightful vegan maqlouba from scratch.
Plant Based Folk
What is Maqlouba?
Maqlouba also spelled "maklouba" or "maklubah," is deeply rooted in the Levant region of the Middle East. While its exact origin remains elusive, this flavorful dish is commonly enjoyed in countries such as Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq. The essence of maqluba lies in its method of layering ingredients in a pot, and then flipping it upside down for serving, hence its literal translation to "upside-down" in Arabic.
Crafting a Vegan Maqluba Although traditional maqluba often incorporates meat, it's entirely possible to create a delectable vegan version using an array of vegetables and rice. For instance, food blogger Nada Elbarshoumi, of One Arab Vegan, shares a recipe featuring eggplants, cauliflower, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and a medley of spices like smoked paprika and turmeric. In her words, this dish embodies comfort, reminiscent of simpler times.
One Arab Vegan
Similarly, Janelle Hama, from Plant Based Folk, offers her take on vegetable-based maqluba, incorporating bell peppers, garlic, potatoes, and onions. Inspired by her Palestinian grandmother's recipe, Hama finds joy in the entire process, from preparation to the exciting unveiling of the dish.
For those craving a meaty texture, Waseem Hijazi, of Plant Based Arab, presents a Palestinian-style maqluba using vegan ingredients. His recipe features tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and a filling made from chickpeas, walnuts, tofu, and onions. This innovative blend absorbs the rich flavors of maqluba while offering a satisfying alternative to traditional meat fillings. Hijazi suggests serving the dish with a side salad, cucumber, or mint yogurt, adding a finishing touch with a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick.
Whether you opt for a classic vegetable medley or experiment with vegan meat alternatives, crafting a delicious maqluba sans meat is a culinary adventure worth exploring.