Vegetarian Maqlouba

Maqlouba is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with layers of rice, vegetables, and meat or poultry. Here is a recipe for a vegetarian version of maqlouba:

Vegetarian Maqlouba

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers to the pan and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the chickpeas to the pan and stir in the cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. To assemble the maqlouba, place half of the cooked rice in the bottom of a large, deep serving dish. Top with half of the vegetable mixture. Repeat with the remaining rice and vegetables.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

I hope you enjoy this recipe for vegetarian maqlouba!