Kousa Mahshi Bil Rice

Kousa Mahshi Bil Rice is a traditional Lebanese dish featuring zucchini stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice and spices, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This paleo-friendly version captures the essence of the original while adhering to a healthier, grain-free diet.

Ingredients

• Zucchini - 2 medium
• Cauliflower rice - 200 grams
• Ground lamb or beef - 150 grams
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Allspice - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Tomatoes - 400 grams, chopped (for sauce)
• Water - 500 ml

Steps

1. Cut the tops off the zucchinis and hollow them out using a small spoon or a vegetable peeler, leaving about 1 cm of flesh on the sides.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
3. Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
4. Stir in the cauliflower rice, tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes until everything is combined and heated through.
5. Stuff the hollowed zucchinis with the meat and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack them in.
6. In a large pot, combine the chopped tomatoes and water. Bring to a simmer and then carefully place the stuffed zucchinis upright in the pot.
7. Cover the pot and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the flavors meld.
8. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 75 mg
• Total Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for paleo diets.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from zucchini and tomatoes.

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