Kousa Mahshi (aleppo-style Stuffed Zucchini)

Kousa Mahshi is a traditional Syrian dish that features zucchinis stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground meat, and aromatic spices. This Aleppo-style recipe is a beloved dish in Syrian cuisine, known for its comforting and hearty flavors.

Kousa Mahshi (aleppo-style Stuffed Zucchini)

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 250g ground beef or lamb
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the zucchinis by cutting off the tops and hollowing them out with a spoon, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh. Reserve the flesh for later use.
  2. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
  3. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, rice, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stuff the hollowed zucchinis with this mixture.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the reserved zucchini flesh and sauté for a few minutes.
  5. Carefully place the stuffed zucchinis in the pot, arranging them in a single layer. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the zucchinis.
  6. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the rice is cooked.
  7. Serve the Kousa Mahshi hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Large pot Spoon Bowl

Tools

Knife Cutting board Sauté pan

Serving suggestions

Kousa Mahshi pairs well with a side of yogurt and a fresh salad.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground meat and increase the amount of rice and vegetables in the stuffing mixture.

Cost

Medium