Riz Bil Kousa Wa Kebbeh Nayyeh

Riz Bil Kousa Wa Kebbeh Nayyeh is a delightful Lebanese dish featuring fragrant rice cooked with zucchini and served alongside raw spiced lamb kebbeh. This vibrant meal showcases the rich flavors of Lebanese cuisine and is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Zucchini - 2 medium-sized (about 200 grams)
• Onion - 1 small (about 70 grams)
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon
• Water - 300 milliliters
• Kebbeh Nayyeh (raw minced lamb) - 150 grams
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon - 1, juiced

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. While the rice soaks, prepare the zucchini by cutting off the ends and finely dicing them.
3. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and diced zucchini to the saucepan. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the zucchini is tender.
5. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Cook for an additional minute to combine the flavors.
6. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the saucepan. Stir well to incorporate the rice with the zucchini mixture.
7. Pour in the water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the water.
8. While the rice cooks, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
9. Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork and mix in half of the toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley.
10. To serve, plate the rice alongside a serving of kebbeh nayyeh, drizzling fresh lemon juice over both the rice and kebbeh. Garnish with the remaining pine nuts and parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 80 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from the lamb, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Zucchini is low in calories and high in water content, aiding in hydration and digestion.

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