Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice)

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1. 1Step 1: Rinse the rice under cold water in a sieve until the water runs clear. Transfer the rice to a bowl and cover with water (cover with at least an inch of water). Set aside to soak for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2 hours.
2. 2Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400F. On a large rimmed baking sheet, place cauliflower florets, eggplant slices and potato slices. Brush with extra virgin olive oil and season with 1 teaspoon 7-spice, salt and pepper. Bake for 15-20 minutes. The vegetables don't have to be cooked all the way through but should have some browning.
3. 3Step 3: Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper and 7-Spice. In a large frying pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Fry the chicken on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, on each side. You're looking for some color to form on the chicken. Transfer the chicken thighs to a plate.
4. 4Step 4: To the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if needed) and fry the onions and garlic with a pinch of salt on medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
5. 5Step 5: Drain the rice and mix in 1 teaspoon of 7-spice. To a large non-stick pot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Begin layering with sliced tomatoes, followed by a handful of seasoned rice and then a single layer of vegetables (onions, garlic, potatoes, cauliflower, eggplant). Scatter a handful or two of rice. Layer the chicken thighs, more vegetables and more rice, alternating as you layer. It doesn't have to be perfect.
6. 6Step 6: Pack everything down lightly with your hands and using a chopstick of a wooden spoon handle, poke 4 or 5 holes into the rice so that the liquid can penetrate.
7. 7Step 7: Carefully add 4 cups chicken stock to the pot. The liquid should just barely cover the rice. Add bay leaves, cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods and an additional teaspoon of salt. Some of the chicken or vegetables may float. That's ok. Cover the pot, bring to a boil, and turn down the heat to low. Cook for 30-40 minutes. If your pot lid doesn't hold steam in, you can use a sheet of aluminum foil to help seal the lid.
8. 8Step 8: Take a peek under the lid. The rice should be cooked. return the lid and let the maqluba rest for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and pull out the bay leaves, cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods. They should be at the top. Place a large inverted rimmed platter over the pot. Confidently flip the pot and plate over. Do this as quickly and safely as you can, like you're flipping a cake. Carefully pull the pot up revealing the maqluba. It might not be pretty, but it will be delicious. Garnish with fresh parsley and toasted almonds. Serve with salad and yogurt.