Riz Bil Kousa Wa Fattoush Wa Warak Enab

Riz Bil Kousa Wa Fattoush Wa Warak Enab is a delightful Lebanese rice dish featuring tender zucchini, a refreshing fattoush salad, and stuffed grape leaves, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This dish is perfect for those looking to experience authentic Lebanese cuisine in a wholesome and satisfying way.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Zucchini (kousa) - 2 medium-sized
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Chicken or vegetable broth - 300 ml
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Mint leaves - 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
• Tomatoes - 2 medium, diced
• Cucumber - 1 medium, diced
• Radishes - 4, thinly sliced
• Pita bread - 1 large, toasted and torn into pieces
• Grape leaves - 10 pieces, stuffed (warak enab)

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 pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
3. Chop the zucchini into small cubes and add them to the pot, cooking for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot along with the chicken or vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, chopped parsley, mint leaves, and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and mix well to create the fattoush salad.
6. While the rice is cooking, prepare the stuffed grape leaves according to your preferred recipe or use pre-made ones. Heat them in a pot with a little water until warmed through.
7. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Serve the rice on plates alongside the fattoush salad and stuffed grape leaves.
8. Garnish with additional mint and parsley if desired, and enjoy your meal!

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 80 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber from the vegetables and whole grains, promoting digestive health.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil, which can support heart health.

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