Kousa Mahshi

Kousa Mahshi is a traditional Lebanese dish featuring zucchini stuffed with a flavorful rice and herb mixture, perfect for a hearty vegetarian breakfast. This delightful dish is often served with a drizzle of olive oil and a side of yogurt for a refreshing contrast.

Ingredients

• Zucchini - 4 medium-sized
• Short-grain rice - 100 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley - 30 grams, chopped
• Fresh mint - 15 grams, chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Allspice - 1/4 teaspoon
• Vegetable broth - 250 milliliters

Steps

1. Wash the zucchini and cut off the tops. Carefully hollow out the zucchini using a small spoon or a corer, making sure not to pierce the skin.
2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced tomato, parsley, mint, salt, black pepper, and allspice to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
4. Add the short-grain rice to the skillet, mixing well with the vegetable mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth, stir, and let it simmer for 10 minutes until the rice absorbs most of the liquid.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly. Stuff each hollowed zucchini with the rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
6. Place the stuffed zucchinis in a pot or a deep skillet, standing upright. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and add enough vegetable broth to cover the bottom of the pot (about 100 milliliters).
7. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for about 30-35 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the rice is fully cooked.
8. Serve warm, drizzled with a little more olive oil and accompanied by yogurt.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from zucchini and herbs.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.

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