Kousa Mahshi (stuffed Zucchini Boats)

Kousa Mahshi, or Stuffed Zucchini Boats, is a popular dish in Caspian cuisine. It consists of hollowed-out zucchinis stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground meat, and aromatic spices. This dish is then cooked to perfection, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Main Course Caspian Zucchini Stuffed
Kousa Mahshi (stuffed Zucchini Boats)

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the zucchinis and scoop out the flesh to create boat-shaped shells. Reserve the flesh for later use.
  3. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, chopped herbs, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Add the rinsed rice and mix well.
  5. Stuff the hollowed-out zucchinis with the meat and rice mixture, leaving a little space at the top for the rice to expand.
  6. Place the stuffed zucchinis in a deep pot. Arrange any remaining zucchini flesh around the zucchinis.
  7. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the zucchinis and drizzle with olive oil.
  8. Cover the pot and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the zucchinis are tender.
  9. Remove the pot from the heat and let the stuffed zucchinis rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
10g

Supplies

Deep pot

Tools

Knife Cutting board Large bowl

Serving suggestions

Serve the Kousa Mahshi hot as a main course, accompanied by a side of yogurt or a fresh salad.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, the ground meat can be substituted with cooked lentils or chickpeas.

Cost

$15