Riz Bil Kousa Wa Kharouf

Riz Bil Kousa Wa Kharouf is a traditional Lebanese dish featuring fragrant rice cooked with tender lamb and zucchini, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. This gluten-free recipe showcases the essence of Lebanese cuisine in a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 1 cup
• Lamb shoulder, cut into cubes - 200 grams
• Zucchini, diced - 1 medium
• Onion, finely chopped - 1 small
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Tomato paste - 1 tablespoon
• Cinnamon stick - 1
• Allspice - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Water - 2 cups
• Fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in cold water for 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the lamb cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Mix in the tomato paste, cinnamon stick, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat.
6. Add the diced zucchini and 2 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until the lamb is tender.
7. Remove the cinnamon stick and drain the soaked rice. Add the rice to the pot, stirring gently to combine.
8. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
9. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 75 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from the lamb, supporting muscle health.
• Contains zucchini, which is low in calories and high in vitamins A and C.

Tags