Maqluba (Makloubeh) With Lamb

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1. 1Step 1: Wash the lamb pieces thoroughly. Add them to a pot and cover with water. Let this simmer on medium heat. You will notice a residue float to the top after a few minutes. Spoon off the residue into a bowl and discard.
2. 2Step 2: Once the water is clear of the residue, add the onion, cardamom, and bay leaves along with the allspice, sugar (optional) salt, and pepper. Cover and let this boil on medium heat for 1.5-2 hours until the meat is tender.
3. 3Step 3: While the meat is cooking, prepare the vegetables and rice for the dish. Preheat the oven to 400 F.
4. 4Step 4: Toss the sliced eggplant, cauliflower, and potato (if using), with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well coated. Feel free to add more oil if necessary.
5. 5Step 5: Add the vegetables to a baking sheet baking sure they do not overlap. I typically bake each vegetable variety in their own pan or one huge pan. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, flipping once.
6. 6Step 6: The vegetables should come out tender and lightly golden. Keep it baking longer if necessary, then set to the side.
7. 7Step 7: Prepare the rice by stirring together the soaked rice with the spices listed above.
8. 8Step 8: At this point, the meat should be cooked through. Drain the water and save the lamb broth to cook the rice in.
9. 9Step 9: Start with a scarce layer of rice at the bottom of your prepped pot. The nonstick pot should be lightly sprayed with nonstick spray too or oiled. Then, add a layer of tomato slices.
10. 10Step 10: Top off the tomato slices with the baked eggplant slices, cauliflower florets, and potatoes (if using).
11. 11Step 11: Then, add the lamb pieces followed by the rice. Cover the top of the rice with a fitted heat proof plate. This will help keep the rice in tact while it simmers.
12. 12Step 12: Pour the lamb broth on top of the rice. The broth should cover the rice entirely with an inch extra on top. Let this come to a light boil then simmer for about 25-30 minutes on medium heat while covered.
13. 13Step 13: Once the rice is cooked through, take it off the heat and let it sit for 20 minutes in the pot before serving.
14. 14Step 14: When ready to serve, find a large platter with rasied edges and swiftly flip the pot over the top of the platter. Tap at the bottom of the pot a few times and gently raise the pot to reveal the beautiful maqluba.
15. 15Step 15: Top with the garnishes and serve with yogurt and arabic salad.