Delicious Kousa Mahshi: Middle Eastern Stuffed Zucchini
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Ingredients
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6 units Zucchini
(Choose medium-sized zucchinis, firm and fresh.)
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300 grams Ground beef
(Can substitute with lamb or turkey.)
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150 grams Short grain rice
(Rinse and soak for 30 minutes before using.)
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1 large Onion
(Finely chopped.)
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2 tablespoons Tomato paste
(Adds richness to the filling.)
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50 grams Pine nuts
(Toasted for added flavor.)
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3 cloves Garlic
(Minced.)
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1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
(For seasoning, adjust to taste.)
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1 teaspoon Black pepper
(Freshly ground.)
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to taste unit Salt
(Don't forget to season well!)
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3 tablespoons Olive oil
(For frying.)
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500 ml Vegetable Broth
(Or water, for cooking the stuffed zucchinis.)
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2 tablespoons Parsley
(Chopped, for garnish.)
(Choose medium-sized zucchinis, firm and fresh.)
(Can substitute with lamb or turkey.)
(Rinse and soak for 30 minutes before using.)
(Finely chopped.)
(Adds richness to the filling.)
(Toasted for added flavor.)
(Minced.)
(For seasoning, adjust to taste.)
(Freshly ground.)
(Don't forget to season well!)
(For frying.)
(Or water, for cooking the stuffed zucchinis.)
(Chopped, for garnish.)
Nutrition
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed zucchinis
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
- Calcium: 70 mg
- Iron: 3.2 mg
Instructions
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1 - Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis. Carefully hollow them out using a melon baller, ensuring to keep the walls intact.
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2 - Make the Filling:
In a skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until soft. Add ground beef, rice, tomato paste, and spices. Cook until browned and rice is partially cooked.
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3 - Stuff the Zucchini:
Carefully spoon the meat and rice mixture into the hollowed zucchinis, leaving a little space at the top as the rice will expand while cooking.
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4 - Cook the Stuffed Zucchini:
Place the stuffed zucchini into a large pot. Add vegetable broth, cover, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until zucchinis are tender.
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5 - Serve:
Remove from heat, garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis. Carefully hollow them out using a melon baller, ensuring to keep the walls intact.
In a skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until soft. Add ground beef, rice, tomato paste, and spices. Cook until browned and rice is partially cooked.
Carefully spoon the meat and rice mixture into the hollowed zucchinis, leaving a little space at the top as the rice will expand while cooking.
Place the stuffed zucchini into a large pot. Add vegetable broth, cover, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until zucchinis are tender.
Remove from heat, garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
More About: Delicious Kousa Mahshi: Middle Eastern Stuffed Zucchini
Kousa Mahshi: The Heart of Middle Eastern Comfort Food
Kousa Mahshi is a traditional dish deeply rooted in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in Lebanon, where it is a staple often made with zucchini (kousa). The zucchini is hollowed and stuffed with a savory mixture of rice and meat, then cooked in a rich broth. This dish embodies warmth and hospitality, often shared during family gatherings and special occasions.
One of the distinct aspects of Kousa Mahshi is the delightful blend of spices such as cinnamon and black pepper, offering a warm flavor that dances on the palate. The dish is not only comforting but versatile, as you can vary the stuffing with different herbs or even go vegetarian by swapping meat for lentils.
Historically, Kousa Mahshi signifies abundance and sharing, reflecting the cultural importance of communal dining within Middle Eastern traditions. Each family may have its slight variation, passed down through generations, with slightly different fragrances from the herbs used or nuts for garnish. This personal touch enhances the nostalgic connect tied to the recipe.
In preparing Kousa Mahshi, technique plays an essential role. The zucchinis should be carefully hollowed to ensure they hold shape and texture while also allowing the filling to add depth. Participating in such cooking brings a sense of savoring not just the meal itself but the stories embedded within each delicious bite. Try prepping together with friends or loved ones, making it a bonding experience that results in an incredible dish everyone will be eager to share after the first taste.
