Riz Bil Kousa W Warak Enab

Riz Bil Kousa W Warak Enab is a traditional Lebanese dish featuring flavorful rice stuffed inside zucchini and grape leaves, cooked to perfection. This Paleo version is both nutritious and satisfying, combining fresh ingredients with a delightful blend of spices.

Ingredients

• Zucchini - 2 medium
• Grape leaves - 10 large leaves
• Basmati rice - 100 grams
• Ground lamb or beef - 150 grams
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Allspice - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable broth - 300 milliliters

Steps

1. Wash the zucchini and slice off the tops. Hollow out the insides using a small spoon or a corer, and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the ground lamb or beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, lemon juice, parsley, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
4. In a bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with the basmati rice and mix well.
5. Stuff the hollowed zucchini with the rice and meat mixture, packing it gently but firmly.
6. For the grape leaves, lay them flat with the stem side facing you. Place a tablespoon of the rice mixture at the base of each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll tightly. Repeat until all filling is used.
7. In a large pot, place the stuffed zucchini and grape leaves in a single layer. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and add vegetable broth to cover the bottom of the pot.
8. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for about 40-50 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the zucchini is tender.
9. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 60 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from the zucchini and grape leaves.
• High in protein from the ground meat, making it satiating.

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