Riz Bil Kousa Wa Fatayer

Riz Bil Kousa Wa Fatayer is a delightful Lebanese rice dish featuring aromatic rice paired with stuffed zucchini and savory pastries. This dish beautifully combines flavors and textures, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Long-grain rice - 150 grams
• Zucchini (Kousa) - 2 medium-sized
• Ground beef or lamb - 100 grams
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Vegetable broth - 300 milliliters
• Fatayer (pastries) - 4 pieces
• Fresh parsley - for garnish

Steps

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in the diced tomato, pine nuts, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Cut the tops off the zucchini and scoop out the insides using a small spoon or a melon baller, leaving a thin shell. Fill each zucchini with the meat mixture, packing it gently.
5. In a pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the soaked rice and cook for 10 minutes on medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for another 10-15 minutes until rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.
6. While the rice is cooking, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the fatayer on a baking sheet and bake according to package instructions until golden brown.
7. To serve, place a scoop of rice on each plate, top with stuffed zucchini, and garnish with fresh parsley. Add the baked fatayer on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 570
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 60 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from the meat, helping to build and repair tissues.
• Zucchini provides dietary fiber and essential vitamins, promoting digestive health.

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