Riz Bil Kousa Wa Baba Ghanoush

Riz Bil Kousa Wa Baba Ghanoush is a delightful Lebanese rice dish featuring tender zucchinis and a rich, smoky eggplant dip. This wholesome meal combines aromatic rice with the creamy texture of baba ghanoush, making it a perfect vegetarian option.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 1 cup
• Water - 2 cups
• Zucchini - 2 medium, diced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Eggplant - 1 medium
• Tahini - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Pomegranate seeds - for garnish
• Fresh parsley - for garnish

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 20 minutes, then drain.
2. In a medium pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper to the pot, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the diced zucchini to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Then add the soaked rice and stir to combine.
5. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
6. While the rice is cooking, prepare the baba ghanoush. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Prick the eggplant with a fork and roast it on a baking sheet for 30-40 minutes until the skin is charred and the flesh is tender.
7. Once roasted, let the eggplant cool, then scoop out the flesh into a bowl. Mash it with tahini, lemon juice, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil until creamy.
8. Serve the rice on a plate, topped with fresh pomegranate seeds and parsley. Serve the baba ghanoush on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Contains antioxidants from eggplant and pomegranate, supporting overall health.

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