1434. Simple Aubergine Turnover (Maqlooba)

Many Arab nations have their own versions of a good rice turnover, and like many famous Arabian dishes, turnovers come highly customized depending on the household preferences. This is a simple aubergine turnover featuring a minced meat base (which becomes the top), filled with a spiced rice and surrounded by cooked aubergine slices. Fried nuts make for the crowning jewel.
I have optimized using my oven broiler to cook aubergines rather than fry them. The result is great, does not produce the smell frying does, uses less oil, and does not compromise on taste.


Ingredients:

2 aubergines
500g minced meat
1 onion, fine dice
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 tsp powder coriander
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 cups rice, soaked
1 Tbsp dry mint
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp powdered loomi
salt, pepper, and oil
fried nuts, to serve


Method:

Cook the aubergines: slice the aubergines lengthwise into 1cm thick slices. Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt and cook under the broiler until almost charred. Flip and repeat; set aside until needed.
In a pot, cook the minced meat and diced onion until browned. Add the grated garlic, powdered coriander, allspice, cinnamon, one flat teaspoon salt, and half a teaspoon of pepper. Saute until fragrant; remove from the heat.
Drain the rice from the water; carefully min in the rice the dried mint, half a teaspoon of cinnamon, paprika, powdered loomi, half a teaspoon of pepper, and two flat teaspoons of salt.
Spread the minced meat in an even layer over the base of the same pot it was cooked in. Line the sides of the pot with the cooked aubergine slices. Add the spiced rice in the pot; return to the fire over medium-high. Add enough boiling water to just cover the rice, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to the lowest setting, and allow to simmer and steam for 25 minutes.
When the rice has finished cooking, allow the pot to sit covered off-heat for 10 minutes. To serve, carefully and swiftly tun the pot upside down on your serving dish and garnish with fried nuts galore.

صحة و عافية