Custrd is out now on the App Store and Google Play — Try it free for 7 days →
Back to recipes

20-Min Lamb & Rice Upside-Down Skillet

Crispy-bottomed rice studded with spiced ground lamb and eggplant, flipped onto a plate for that dramatic maqluba moment. Serve with lentil soup, dates, and fresh herbs for the full spread.

Total time
20 min
Servings
2
Calories
520
Protein
28g
20-Min Lamb & Rice Upside-Down Skillet
comfortrusticmiddle-easternlambcrispytenderMain courseweeknight

Ingredients

7 items — tap to check off

Missing one? Custrd suggests a swap that works.

Open the app

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Heat 2 tbsp oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high until shimmering.

  2. Step 2

    Add diced eggplant, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender, about 6 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Push eggplant to the side, add ground lamb and onion, breaking up meat until no pink remains.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in allspice, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

  5. Step 5

    Add rice, lemon juice, and 2 tbsp water; press into an even layer and sear 3 minutes without stirring.

  6. Step 6

    Slide onto a serving plate, crispy side up. Scatter fresh herbs on top and serve immediately.

Tools you’ll need

  • 10-inch nonstick or cast-iron skillet
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • serving plate (larger than skillet)

Cook smarter

Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge

Custrd is an iPhone and Android app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations. Try it free for 7 days.