Kousa Mahshi Soup

Kousa Mahshi Soup is a comforting Lebanese dish that combines the vibrant flavors of stuffed zucchini in a hearty broth, perfect for a cozy meal. This vegan version captures the essence of traditional Kousa Mahshi while offering a warm, nourishing soup experience.

Ingredients

• Zucchini - 2 medium
• Rice - 100 grams
• Tomato - 1 large, diced
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Vegetable broth - 750 ml
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. While the rice is soaking, prepare the zucchini by cutting off the tops and carefully hollowing them out using a small spoon or a corer. Set aside the zucchini flesh.
3. In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the diced tomato, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down.
5. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot along with the reserved zucchini flesh. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Carefully stuff the hollowed zucchini with the rice mixture, leaving a little space at the top for the rice to expand.
7. In a separate large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Gently place the stuffed zucchini into the broth, reducing the heat to a simmer.
8. Cover the pot and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
9. Once done, remove the zucchini from the pot, and serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of lemon juice.

Nutrition

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbs: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Water: 0.75 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from zucchini and tomatoes, supporting overall health.
• High in fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.

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