Riz bil Kousa Mahshi w Dajaj

Riz bil Kousa Mahshi w Dajaj is a traditional Lebanese dish featuring zucchini stuffed with spiced rice and chicken, simmered to perfection. This hearty meal is not only flavorful but also packed with protein, making it a wholesome choice for any dinner.

Ingredients

• Zucchini - 4 medium
• Chicken breast, minced - 250 grams
• Jasmin rice - 100 grams
• Onion, finely chopped - 1 medium (about 150 grams)
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Allspice powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Chicken broth - 500 milliliters
• Fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons

Steps

1. Wash the zucchini and cut off the tops. Carefully hollow out the insides using a small spoon, leaving about 1 cm of flesh. Set aside the scooped zucchini flesh.
2. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
3. Add the minced chicken to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in the tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper.
4. In a bowl, combine the sautéed chicken mixture with the rinsed rice, chopped parsley, and the reserved zucchini flesh. Mix well.
5. Stuff each hollowed zucchini with the rice and chicken mixture, pressing down lightly to pack them in. Leave a little space at the top for the rice to expand.
6. In a large pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Place the stuffed zucchinis upright in the pot, adding the chicken broth around them. Bring to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the rice is fully cooked.
8. Serve warm, drizzled with a little extra olive oil and garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle health and repair.
• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.

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