Riz Bil Kousa W Kefta
Riz Bil Kousa W Kefta is a rich and flavorful Lebanese rice dish featuring aromatic basmati rice cooked with zucchini and spiced ground beef kefta. This dairy-free meal is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a comforting dinner.

40 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Lebanese
550 kcal
Ingredients
- Basmati rice - 1 cup
- Zucchini - 2 medium, diced
- Ground beef - 200 grams
- Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Cinnamon powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Allspice - 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable broth - 2 cups
- Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
Steps
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in warm water for 20 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, parsley, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs or patties.
- Add the zucchini to the skillet with the onions and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Push the zucchini to the side of the skillet and add the kefta meatballs, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the skillet, mixing it with the zucchini and kefta. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Total Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- High in protein from the ground beef, supporting muscle health.
- Contains zucchini, which is rich in vitamins and promotes digestive health.
Tags
LebaneseDairy-FreeRice Dish