Riz Bil Kousa Wa Fattoush Wa Sfiha

Riz Bil Kousa Wa Fattoush Wa Sfiha is a delightful Lebanese dish that combines flavorful rice with stuffed zucchini, a refreshing fattoush salad, and savory meat pastries. This harmonious blend of textures and tastes offers a unique culinary experience that celebrates Middle Eastern cuisine.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Water - 300 ml
• Zucchini - 2 medium (about 200 grams)
• Ground lamb or beef - 150 grams
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Cinnamon - 1/2 tsp
• Salt - 1 tsp
• Black pepper - 1/2 tsp
• Olive oil - 2 tbsp
• Fresh parsley - 2 tbsp, chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Cucumber - 1 small, diced
• Radishes - 4, thinly sliced
• Lettuce - 1 cup, torn
• Pita bread - 1 piece, cut into triangles
• Lemon juice - 2 tbsp
• Sumac - 1 tsp

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the ground meat to the skillet, followed by cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the meat is browned. Stir in pine nuts and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides to create boats. Stuff each zucchini half with the meat mixture.
5. In a pot, bring 300 ml of water to a boil. Add the soaked rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
6. In a separate bowl, combine lettuce, diced tomato, cucumber, radishes, parsley, lemon juice, sumac, and remaining olive oil to make the fattoush salad. Toss well.
7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place stuffed zucchini in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until zucchini is tender.
8. While the zucchini is baking, lightly toast the pita bread triangles in a pan until golden and crispy.
9. To serve, plate the rice alongside the stuffed zucchini and a generous portion of fattoush salad. Garnish with crispy pita bread on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from the meat and legumes, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, promoting overall health.

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