Riz Bil Kousa Wa Kebbeh

Riz Bil Kousa Wa Kebbeh is a delightful Lebanese dish that combines fragrant rice with stuffed zucchini and savory kebbeh. This satisfying meal is perfect for sharing and showcases the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Ingredients

• Short-grain rice - 1 cup
• Water - 2 cups
• Zucchini - 2 medium-sized
• Ground beef or lamb - 200 grams
• Bulgur wheat - 1/2 cup
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Pine nuts - 2 tablespoons
• Ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground allspice - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped

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, prepare the zucchini by cutting off the tops and hollowing them out using a small spoon or a corer. Set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine the ground meat, bulgur wheat, half of the chopped onion, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Stuff the hollowed zucchini with the meat mixture, leaving a little space at the top to allow for expansion during cooking.
5. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the pine nuts and cook until golden.
6. Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot, stirring to coat with the oil and onion mixture. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.
7. Add the water to the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, in another pot, place the stuffed zucchini upright and add enough water to cover the bottom of the pot. Cover and steam for about 20 minutes until tender.
9. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and mix in the chopped parsley. Serve the rice with the stuffed zucchini on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein and essential nutrients from ground meat and bulgur.
• High in fiber from zucchini and bulgur, promoting digestive health.

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