Riz bil Kousa wa Kebab

Riz bil Kousa wa Kebab is a flavorful Lebanese rice dish featuring tender zucchini and spiced minced meat, bringing together the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. This gluten-free recipe offers a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Long-grain rice - 150 grams
• Zucchini (Kousa) - 2 medium-sized
• Ground beef or lamb - 200 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Allspice - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Water - 400 milliliters
• Fresh parsley - for garnish

Steps

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. While the rice is soaking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until well combined, then remove from heat.
5. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon to create a cavity for stuffing.
6. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Stuff each zucchini half with the meat mixture, pressing down gently to pack it.
7. In a large pot, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Drain the rice and add it to the pot, stirring to coat with oil for about 2 minutes.
8. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
9. While the rice is cooking, place the stuffed zucchini in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the zucchini is tender.
10. Serve the rice on plates with the baked zucchini on top, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbs: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 65 mg
• Total Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from the meat, supporting muscle health.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from zucchini, promoting overall health.

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