Kousa Mahshi (lebanese Stuffed Zucchini)

Kousa Mahshi, also known as Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini, is a delicious and traditional dish from West Asian cuisine. This recipe features zucchinis stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground meat, and aromatic spices, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Kousa Mahshi (lebanese Stuffed Zucchini)

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 250g ground beef or lamb
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut off the tops of the zucchinis and hollow them out using a spoon, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh. Reserve the zucchini pulp for later use.
  3. In a bowl, combine the rice, ground meat, onion, tomatoes, parsley, mint, tomato paste, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Stuff the hollowed zucchinis with the rice and meat mixture, and place them in a deep pot.
  5. Arrange the reserved zucchini pulp around the stuffed zucchinis in the pot.
  6. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the zucchinis, cover the pot, and cook on the stovetop over medium heat for 1 hour, or until the zucchinis are tender and the rice is cooked.
  7. Serve the Kousa Mahshi hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking & Preparation

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

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Carbohydrates
25g
Protein
15g
Fat
12g

Supplies

Deep pot Spoon

Tools

Knife Cutting board

Serving suggestions

Serve the Kousa Mahshi with a side of yogurt and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

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

$15