Zesty Meat Loaf

PREP: 20 MINUTES ----- COOK: 1 HOUR ----- SERVINGS: 4-6

• 2 lb ground lamb (~1 kg)
• 1 finely chopped onion
• Parsley bunch finely chopped
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup pomegranate sauce
• 1 lb fozen corn kernels
• 1 medium potato thinly sliced
• 1 roma tomato thinly sliced

1. Mix eggs, bread crumbs, onion, parsley, salt, papper, corn and pomegranate sauce in a medium bowl. Add meat and mix well.

2. Pat the mixture into a loaf or pound cake baking dish. Top with slices of potatoes and tomatoes and drizzle with some pomegranate sauce.

3. Bake in 400°F oven for 1 hour till no pink remains. Transfer to a platter and enjoy.

MAGLOOBA - Upside-Down Eggplant Rice

PREP: 20 MINUTES ----- COOK: 1 HOUR ----- SERVINGS: 4-6

• 2 boneless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium onions sliced thick
• 4 cloves garlic
• 6 whole cloves
• 6 whole green cardamoms
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed black pepper
• 4 cups of water
• 4 medium eggplants
• 1/2 cup light vegetable oil
• 2 cups medium-grain rice (Egyptian rice)

1. In a medium pot, brown onions, garlic, and spices in olive oil. Add chicken and stir.

2. Add 4 cups of water. Bring to boil, then simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.

3. Cut the eggplants whichever way  you like into 1.5 cm thick slices. Arange the eggplant slices in a baking sheet. Brush generously with oil and broil in the oven turning once until both sides are golden. Drain any excess oil.

4. Layer eggplant slices in a deep oven-safe dish. Shred chicken and layer on top of the eggplants. Add the rice distributing it evenly.

5. Gently add 2 1/2 cups of the chicken broth to the oven dish. Bake covered in 375°F (190°C) heated oven for 30 minutes.

6. Remove from oven and let it stand covered for 30 minutes.

7. Place a large serving platter that fits securely on top of the casserole. Carefully flip the casserole over with the platter to transfer its contents upside down into the serving platter.

 
 

Add chicken broth to individual serving if desired.
Serve with yogurt on the side.