Vegetable Maklouba Without Meat (Makloubeh)

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This vegetable maklouba is an extravagant presentation of upside down rice topped with an assortment of vegetables and browned nuts. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Is also naturally gluten free.

Maqlouba — Vegetable maklouba without meat

What is Maklouba?

I first came across Maklouba from my son’s Fahlestinia Grandmother.

I thought it was the most extravagant presentation of rice, meat and vegetables I have ever seen.

Some would consider this upside down rice to be one of Fahlestine’s national dishes.

I fell in love with the whole process, preparing the sections, layering, cooking and then the big reveal. It’s always so exciting flipping a pot of Maklouba.

Even on the odd occasion when your flipped vegetarian maklouba it doesn’t stand, you know you’re still in for a treat.

Traditional Maqluba is made with layers of browned meat (usually chicken, lamb or minced beef), vegetables, rice, all topped with brown nuts such as pine nuts and almonds.

In this recipe, I will show you how to make a vegetable maqlouba which is perfect for a vegan or vegetarian diet. Another rice filled with veggies and nuts is my most-request by my family Lebanese rice without vermicelli.

How to pronounce Maklouba?

Maklouba is pronounced in English as Mak·loo·ba or Mak·loo·beh, however in Lebanese colloquial speak it’s pronounced as Mah·lube (mah·loo·beh).

This pronunciation differs between different regions across the Middle East, you can find this aromatic Arabic upside down rice in countries such as Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and so forth.

As each country has its own dialect of Arabic, upside down rice can also be known as maqlooba, makloubeh, and maqluba.

😋Why you’ll love this recipe

Packed with flavor and a variety of vegetables - you’ll never want standard rice again
Albeit it’s an extravagant look, this vegan maklouba is relatively easy to make in comparison to the traditional version, which requires more time and effort.
Healthier - a reduced amount of salt, fat and oil without skimping on an amazing flavor.
Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, is also gluten-free (check your vegetable stock)

✔️What You’ll Need

The complete list of ingredients with measurements, can be found in the full recipe card below.

Vegetables - Use only good quality fresh produce. I have used eggplant, potato, garlic, onion and capsicum (bell pepper) See variations below of other recommended vegetables which can be used.

Rice - long grain or basmati rice is ideal. They are quicker cooking kinds of rice and work well within this upside down rice dish.

Nuts - pine nuts, slivered almonds, and cashews are generally used to top off. Use good quality nuts, and avoid stale ones.

Garlic - use a whole head of fresh garlic. Keep the cloves intact, but ensure they are peeled. Once cooked, the garlic melts in your mouth - so so good!

Spices in makloubeh include allspice and cinnamon. I love to include turmeric for its color and anti-inflammatory properties.

🔪Step by step guide

Preparation of a vegan vegetable maklouba is easier than preparing the traditional meat version, as the time & steps saved is considerable.

I do recommend you prepare in 3 stages. I also recommend watching the video.

Preparing Vegetables

Step 1 - Coat eggplant, potato and capsicum in 1 tablespoon oil and place on a baking tray. Roast in the oven at 200C (392F) for approx. 30 minutes until lightly golden brown.

Preparing Rice

Step 2 - In a mixing bowl, combine rice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, all spices really well. Set aside.

Preparing Nuts

Step 3 - Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a saucepan and brown pine nuts and slivered almonds (do this whilst vegetable maqlouba is cooking) set aside.

Vegetable Maklouba Assembly

Step 4 - Brush pot with olive oil and start layering vegetables. Place eggplant first, then potato, and capsicum (bell pepper) in between by filling gaps. Then place a layer of onion and scatter garlic on top.

Step 5 - Cover vegetables with an even layer of slightly compacted rice, ensuring the vegetables are fully covered. Carefully and slowly pour vegetable stock onto the contents. Cover with lid.

Step 6 - Bring to a slight boil over medium heat for 5 minutes, then turn heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, do not open the lid, and allow Maklouba to sit for 10 minutes.

Step 7 - Open the pot and place a large serving plate or platter on top. Flip everything upside down and allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then slowly lift the pot to reveal the vegetable maklouba. Garnish with brown nuts and parsley. Serve warm.

🍳Variations

Other vegetables - makloubeh can also be made with cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, zucchini or any vegetable you think will work well and complement each other.

The preparation of any vegetables is precisely the same as listed within this vegetable maklouba recipe. Cauliflower should be cut into bite-sized florets.

Preparing vegetables - whilst I mostly bake my vegetables to avoid excess oil, on the odd occasion, shallowing frying vegetables until golden brown is enjoyed.

Other spices - if you desire, you can adjust the flavoring of your spices by adding in your favorite spice. Try a pinch of Lebanese baharat blend. Remember to taste test.

Extra protein - add a can of drained and washed slightly salted chickpeas (garbanzo beans) on top of the vegetable layer and under the rice layer. You may need to adjust your spices.

💡What to serve with maklouba?

Makloubeh is best served with a side of fresh salad, try a simple Arabic garden salad, along with some homemade pickles.

💭Pro Tips

I use a gas stove, cooking times may differ slightly with electric.

Chopping vegetables - be uniform with cutting your vegetables into 1cm (approx. ½ inch) thicknesses.

Depending on how you’d like to present your vegetables either cut lengthways or across.

You can also add extra vegetables if you like. Though you may need to adjust the salt so that your vegetable maklouba isn't mild in flavor.

Onions and garlic - I like to use these raw, I find the flavours to be boosted this way - the onion is delightfully sweet. If you desire though, you can also roast or fry these off. Though, keep those garlic cloves intact.

Potatoes - if opting to add extra potatoes, as this is a starch, it will soak up a lot of the flavour. Be mindful of this, you may need to add more salt.

Roasting vegetables result in them being cooked before adding them to the pot.

Rice - following the instructions of the rice producer i.e., wash the rice as instructed (if needed). Do not use pre-cooked rice pouches.

Mixing the oil, spices through the rice prior to cooking ensures even distribution of flavour, basically, every grain of rice will be covered in wonderful spices.

As this is a reduced-fat version of the meat maklouba (fat is normally from the meat), it is important that the oil is evenly distributed through the rice.

Layering - you can get creative here and layer the vegetables how you desire, creating patterns.

Remember - whatever you layer first will end up presented as the top layer when the makloubeh flipped.

I love to always add my batinjan “eggplant” first, as it’s generally the biggest and malleable, it can be curved against the pot.

Only compact the rice slightly, do not overdo it as this may result in the rice not cooking or cooking unevenly.

You want to slightly compact the rice to ensure it sits securely on the contents of the pot. You can use your hands or the back of a spoon to do this. See video.

Vegetable stock - should cover the rice approx. 1 ½ cm (½”). A slight boost of salt may be needed for this recipe, depending on the stock used.

Do a taste test of the vegetable stock, it should taste saltier than usual, this will diffuse whilst cooking. Or add more salt at the end.

I tend to try and under salt, giving individuals the ability to adjust this as they require. I always use a good quality vegetable stock such as Massel.

Pouring vegetable stock - when pouring the stock in, do it gently. The rice layer shouldn’t be disturbed and should remain even. Start by pouring the outer rim in a slow circular motion. See video.

As tempting as it is, try to not open the pot during cooking, trust the process. The contents will cook perfectly. (if you do, the world won’t end - haha, but don’t leave the pot open for too long - have a quick peek)

Do not bring this dish to a hard boil, it will disrupt the makloubeh contents which can result in uneven cooking and the maklouba not conform to shape when flipped over, it’ll just fall apart.

About the 5 minutes mark of cooking, the outer perimeter of the maklouba will start bubbling, this is the point to reduce the heat to low.

If unsure if it is boiling, listen for it or take a quick peek (until you get used to cooking this dish).

Serving plate or tray - this should be bigger than the pot with a decent perimeter to catch any parts that may fall during serving.

The rim of the plate/tray should be a little upright to also assist with spillage.

If using a pot where the handles are flush with the top of the pot, you will need to factor these handles in when selecting your serving plate/tray.

⚙️Equipment

Here are the main pieces of equipment you’ll need to make this vegan makloubeh recipe (all other non-listed items are standard).

Baking sheet trays x 2 - for roasting vegetables
Pot - to cook the vegetable maklouba in (see FAQ below for which I used)
Serving plate/tray - to flip the maklouba into and serve
Frying pan - to brown the nuts

❓FAQ

What size pot should I use for Maqlouba?

There is no hard rule for which pot to use, the pot should fit the content. Although, it is best to use a wider pot rather than a taller one, as when the maklouba is flipped the likelihood of it toppling over with a shorter pot is lesser. Within this recipe, I used a 20cm (2.4l) (approx. 8”) dutch oven pot, which is approx. 9cm high (approx. 4”), this will feed 4-6 people. Adjust the size of your pot to suit the number of people to be served.

What type of pot shall I use to make maklouba?

The best type of pot to use for Maklouba is a non-stick pot that isn’t too tall. Always grease the pot slightly before adding the contents, this will ensure nothing sticks to it.

My rice cooked unevenly, help?

Check that the rice is evenly placed inside the pot on top of the vegetables. Then ensure the rice is submerged, by approx. 1.5cm, in vegetable stock. Try to avoid opening the pot during cooking and allow the rice to steam through at the end by allowing it to stand without having ever opened the lid. Ensure there is no steam vent, the pot should be securely shut.

Can I air fry my vegetables for maklouba?

Absolutely! Simply air fry the vegetables until golden-brown, as per your air-fryer. You decide how golden the vegetable should be. The layer them as per maklouba recipe instructions.

How to flip maklouba?

I usually place my hands wherever I feel most comfortable and with the plate and pot's best grip. I then do one swift fast flip. Do not hesitate, as this will shake the pot around. If not confident, ask someone else to do it for you. Once flipped, do not lift the pot off, allow it to sit for 10 minutes.

Try maghmour Lebanese moussaka, also featuring eggplant.

Another famous Arabic rice recipe is made with vermicelli, which is used as a side to stews such as bamieh w riz - okra stew.

Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ star rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.

Recipe

Vegetable Maklouba Without Meat (Makloubeh)

This vegetable maklouba is an extravagant presentation of upside down rice topped with an assortment of vegetables and browned nuts. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Print Pin Rate Save Recipe

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 45

Total Time: 1 5

Servings: people

Author: Janelle Hama

Ingredients

1 Large Potato sliced 1cm thick
1 Med Eggplant sliced 1cm thick
1 Med Onion sliced 1cm thick
1 Med Capsicum (Bell pepper) sliced 1cm thick
1 head Garlic peeled and cloves left whole
1½ cups Long grain rice or basmati rice
½ tablespoon Ground turmeric
½ tablespoon Ground all spice
½ tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
4 tablespoon Olive oil divided into 4. 1 tablespoon for vegetables, 1 tablespoon for rice, 1 tablespoon for brushing pot and 1 tablespoon browning nuts
2¾ cups Vegetable stock
¼ cup Pine nuts
¼ cup Slivered almonds
1 pinch Salt to taste (optional)

Instructions

Preparing Vegetables

Coat eggplant, potato and capsicum in 1 tablespoon oil and place on a baking tray. Roast in the oven at 200C (392F) for approx. 30 minutes until lightly golden brown.

Preparing Rice

In a mixing bowl, combine rice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, all spices really well. Set aside.

Preparing Nuts

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a saucepan and brown pine nuts and slivered almonds (do this whilst maklouba is cooking) set aside.

Maqlouba Assembly

Brush pot (see suggest pot) with olive oil and start layering vegetables. Place eggplant first, then potato, capsicum (bell pepper) in between by filling gaps. Then place a layer of onion and scatter garlic on top.
Cover vegetables with an even layer of slightly compacted rice, ensuring the vegetables are fully covered. Carefully and slowly pour vegetable stock onto contents. Cover with lid.
Bring to a slight boil over medium heat for 5 minutes, then turn heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. Turn off heat, do not open lid, allow Maqluba to sit for 10 minutes.
Open pot and place a large serving plate or platter on top. Flip everything upside down and allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then slowly lift the pot to reveal the maqlouba. Garnish with brown nuts and parsley. Serve warm.

Video

Notes

Be sure to uniformly cut your vegetables into 1cm (approx. ½ inch) thicknesses.

Do not use pre-cooked rice pouches.

Mixing the oil, spices through the rice prior to cooking ensures even distribution of flavor. As this is a reduced-fat version (without meat) it is important that the oil is evenly distributed through the rice.

Only compact the rice slightly, do not overdo it as this may result in the rice not cooking or cooking unevenly. See video.

Vegetable stock - should cover the rice approx. 1 ½ cm (½”). DO NOT add extra water. A slight boost of salt may be needed to this recipe, depending on the stock used. Do a taste test of the vegetable stock, it should taste saltier than usual, this will diffuse whilst cooking. Or add more salt at the end.

Gently pour the vegetable stock over the rice layer to not disturb it. See video.

Do not open the pot during cooking, trust the process. The contents will cook perfectly. (if you do, the world won’t end - haha, but don’t leave the pot open for too long - have a quick peek)

Do not bring to a hard boil, it will disrupt the contents which can result in uneven cooking and the maqlouba to not conform to shape when flipped over, it’ll just fall apart.

About the 5 minutes mark of cooking, the outer perimeter of the maqlouba will start bubbling, reduce the heat to low. If unsure if it is boiling, listen for it or take a quick peek (until you get used to cooking this dish).

Do not overcook the rice, if you hear it bubbling still at 15 minutes, that is fine. Turn off the heat and allow the pot to sit for at 10 minutes - do not open the lid!

Serving plate or tray - this should bigger than the pot with at least a 10cm perimeter to catch any parts the may fall during flipping. The rim of the plate/tray should be a little upright to also assist with spillage. If using a pot where the handles are flush with the top of the pot, you will need to factor these handles in when selecting your serving plate/tray.