Riz Bil Kousa Wa Dajaj

Riz Bil Kousa Wa Dajaj is a flavorful Lebanese rice dish featuring tender zucchini and succulent chicken, all cooked together to create a comforting one-pot meal. This gluten-free delight is perfect for a cozy dinner, offering a taste of authentic Lebanese cuisine.

Ingredients

• Long-grain rice - 150 grams
• Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless - 300 grams
• Zucchini, medium-sized - 2 pieces
• Onion, finely chopped - 1 medium
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Chicken broth - 400 ml
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons

Steps

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 20 minutes before draining.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and chicken thighs to the pot, cooking until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Stir in the ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to coat the chicken and onions.
5. Add the drained rice to the pot and gently stir for 2-3 minutes to toast the rice slightly.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
7. While the rice is cooking, wash and dice the zucchini into small cubes.
8. After the rice has cooked for 15 minutes, add the diced zucchini on top of the rice (do not stir). Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
9. Once done, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
10. Serve the Riz Bil Kousa Wa Dajaj hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from chicken, supporting muscle health.
• Contains zucchini, which is low in calories and high in vitamins.

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