Riz Bil Kousa w Laban

Riz Bil Kousa w Laban is a comforting Lebanese rice dish featuring zucchini cooked in a savory tomato sauce, served alongside fragrant rice and a creamy tahini yogurt sauce. This vegan version is both hearty and satisfying, perfect for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

• Long-grain rice - 1 cup
• Zucchini - 2 medium, sliced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato - 1 large, diced
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Ground coriander - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Water - 2 cups
• Tahini - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Fresh parsley - for garnish

Steps

1. Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 20 minutes.
2. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the sliced zucchini to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften.
4. Stir in the diced tomato, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down.
5. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot, then pour in 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
6. While the rice is cooking, prepare the tahini sauce by whisking together the tahini, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to reach desired consistency.
7. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.
8. Serve the rice topped with the zucchini mixture and drizzle with the tahini sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
• Packed with vitamins and minerals from zucchini and tomatoes, contributing to overall wellness.

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