Fish Mahshi

Fish Mahshi is a delightful Lebanese dish featuring tender fish stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, making it a wholesome and aromatic seafood experience. This vegetarian version captures the essence of traditional flavors while showcasing the rich textures of the ingredients.

Ingredients

• Two medium-sized fish (such as tilapia or sea bass) - 500 grams
• Uncooked rice - 100 grams
• Fresh parsley, chopped - 30 grams
• Fresh mint, chopped - 15 grams
• Fresh dill, chopped - 15 grams
• Onion, finely chopped - 1 medium (100 grams)
• Tomato, diced - 1 medium (100 grams)
• Lemon juice - 30 ml
• Olive oil - 30 ml
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon
• Vegetable broth - 250 ml

Steps

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a pan, heat 15 ml of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomato, chopped parsley, mint, dill, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
4. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan, mixing thoroughly with the herb mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is cooked. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a baking dish by drizzling the remaining olive oil on the bottom.
6. Clean and scale the fish, making a slit along the belly to create a pocket for the stuffing. Season the inside with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
7. Stuff each fish with the rice mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with any remaining olive oil and a little more lemon juice.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the fish are cooked through and slightly golden.
9. Serve the Fish Mahshi warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health.
• High in dietary fiber from herbs and vegetables, aiding digestion.

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