Maglubeh with green garden beans

Maglubeh with green fava beans: An upside-down dish with garden green beans

Maglubeh, also known as maqlubeh, is a traditional recipe with deep roots in the culinary history of regions that have embraced Middle Eastern gastronomic culture. This savory dish, which translates to "upside-down food," brings together fragrant rice, meat, and vegetables, all carefully cooked to create a dish that can be easily flipped onto a platter, becoming a true visual feast.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg green fava beans (foul akhdar)
- 2.5 cups of rice (ideally basmati or long-grain rice)
- 500 g beef (can be replaced with chicken or lamb, depending on preferences)
- 1 medium onion
- ½ bunch of fresh coriander
- 7-8 cloves
- 7-8 cardamom seeds
- 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of spice mix for maglubeh (cumin, cloves, ginger, pepper, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 100 g pine nuts
- 100 g almond halves
- 1.5 l water

A bit of history:
Maglubeh is a dish that has evolved over time, initially a peasant recipe, but today considered a special dish suitable for special occasions. It is often cooked on festive days, especially Fridays, which is a holiday in many Muslim cultures. The green fava bean, an essential component of this recipe, is a staple vegetable in many diets, appreciated for its crunchy texture and delicate flavor.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the meat:
Start by boiling 1.5 liters of water in a large pot. Add a whole onion, studded with cloves, and 500 g of beef. Simmer over medium heat for about 45 minutes until the meat is tender. Once cooked, remove the meat and strain the broth, keeping it for later.

2. Preparing the green beans:
Wash the green fava beans and cut them into 2-3 cm pieces. In a non-stick pot, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil. Add the green beans and chopped coriander, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

3. Adding the liquid:
After 5 minutes, add a glass of the broth in which the meat was cooked. Let it boil for 20 minutes until the beans are slightly tender but still firm.

4. Preparing the rice:
While the beans are boiling, wash the rice well under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is essential for achieving fluffy, non-sticky rice. The rice should be well drained.

5. Assembling the maglubeh:
In a large pot, place a layer of rice (1 cup), followed by the green beans, then the cooked meat. Cover everything with the remaining rice and sprinkle the spices for maglubeh on top. Pour the remaining broth, just enough to cover the rice.

6. Final cooking:
Place the pot on high heat, and when it starts to boil, cover it with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. It is important not to open the lid during this time to allow the steam to cook the rice evenly.

7. Flipping and serving:
After the cooking time has elapsed, let the maglubeh rest for 5 minutes. Then, carefully flip the dish onto a large platter. The rice should remain compact, resembling a cake.

8. Final touches:
In a small pan, toast the pine nuts and almonds in olive oil until golden. Sprinkle them on top of the maglubeh. This will not only add a delicious flavor but also make the dish look spectacular.

Serving suggestions:
Maglubeh is often served with a fresh mixed Arab salad or natural yogurt, adding a refreshing note. It can also be enjoyed alongside a traditional drink, such as mint tea or pomegranate juice, to complete the culinary experience.

Tips and variations:
If you want to experiment with the recipe, you can try using fresh green fava beans instead of frozen or dried ones for a more vibrant flavor. Additionally, you can add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers between the layers of rice and meat for added color and nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I replace beef with another meat?
Of course! You can use chicken, lamb, or even a vegetarian option with vegetables.

2. What is the secret to perfectly cooked rice for maglubeh?
It is essential to maintain the 1:1 ratio of rice to water and not to open the lid during cooking.

3. How do I keep maglubeh fresh?
You can store maglubeh in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat it before serving to restore its aroma.

Nutritional benefits:
Green fava beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, benefiting the digestive system and heart. Beef provides essential iron and protein, while rice completes the caloric intake, providing energy.

Maglubeh is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary experience that brings people and traditions together. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious upside-down dish! Enjoy!