Traditional Palestinian Maqluba Recipe: A Classic Dish from Jerusalem

If you’ve ever wondered how to make Traditional Palestinian Maqluba, you’re in for a delicious discovery. Maqluba, meaning “upside-down” in Arabic, is a beloved and time-honored dish across the Levant — and in Palestine, it holds a special place in every family kitchen.

Layered with tender lamb or chicken, fried vegetables, perfectly seasoned rice, and a delicate blend of spices, this dish is both a showstopper and comfort food. At Sea of Herbs, we’ve been perfecting this recipe with our Maqluba Spice Mix for over 200 years — and now we’re sharing it with you.

Ingredients for Traditional Maqluba

Protein & Grains

• 500g lamb or chicken, bone-in for extra flavor

• 2 cups long-grain rice (soaked for 30 minutes)

Vegetables

• 1 large eggplant, sliced and lightly salted

• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 potatoes, sliced

• 1 onion, chopped

Seasonings & Garnish

• 3 tablespoons of Sea of Herbs Maqluba Spice Mix

• Salt to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Water to cover

• Garnish: toasted almonds, pine nuts, and fresh parsley

• Optional: plain yogurt on the side

Instructions: How to make a traditional Palestinian Maqluba

1. Prepare the Vegetables
   Fry or bake the eggplant, carrots, and potatoes until golden. Set aside.

2. Cook the Meat
   In a large pot, sauté onions in olive oil. Add the lamb or chicken and cook until browned. Season with salt and Maqluba Spice Mix.

3. Layer the Ingredients
   In the same pot:

   • Start with the meat

   • Then layer the vegetables

   • Finally, top with the soaked rice
     Sprinkle a bit more Maqluba Spice Mix between layers.

4. Add Water & Cook
   Pour enough water to just cover the rice. Cover the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 40 minutes.

5. Flip and Serve
   Let rest for 10 minutes. Place a large serving tray over the pot and carefully flip. Tap the pot gently and lift to reveal the layered dish.
   Garnish with nuts, parsley, and serve with a side of yogurt and you have a traditional Palestinian Maqluba recipe!

Why Our Maqluba Spice Mix Makes All the Difference

Our Maqluba Spice Mix is a proprietary blend crafted from centuries of herbalist knowledge. It includes warm, aromatic notes of allspice, cardamom, black pepper, and other secret ingredients that bring out the rich flavors of this dish.

🎯 Shop it here: Sea of Herbs Maqluba Spice Mix

Serving Tips

• Serve Maqluba hot with a scoop of plain yogurt

• Add a simple cucumber & mint salad for a refreshing side

• Save leftovers — Maqluba is even better the next day

More Recipes & Traditional Palestinian Flavors

Explore more heritage recipes like our Falafel, Herbal Teas, and natural beauty secrets passed down for generations. Stay tuned for more delicious blog posts.

Final Thoughts

There’s no dish that captures the heart of Palestinian hospitality like Traditional Palestinian Maqluba. From family feasts to everyday meals, it’s a dish full of flavor, history, and love.

✨ Don’t forget to tag us @seaofherbs if you make it — we’d love to share your version with our community.