Riz Bil Kousa wa Kharouf
Riz Bil Kousa wa Kharouf is a vibrant Lebanese rice dish featuring aromatic basmati rice, zucchini, and tender lamb, all simmered in a spiced broth. This comforting meal is a perfect representation of Lebanese home cooking, bringing warmth and flavor to your table.

45 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Lebanese
550 kcal
Ingredients
- Basmati rice - 150 grams
- Zucchini - 2 medium, diced
- Lamb (cubed) - 200 grams
- Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
- Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
- Allspice - 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
- Water - 400 ml
- Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Lemon wedges - for serving
Steps
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cubed lamb to the pot, cooking until the lamb is browned on all sides.
- Season the lamb with cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to coat.
- Add the diced zucchini to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in 400 ml of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove the lid and add the soaked basmati rice, stirring gently to combine.
- Cover the pot again and cook on low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Once done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
- Serve the Riz Bil Kousa wa Kharouf hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 70 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Total Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Water: 0.4 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in protein from lamb, which supports muscle growth and repair.
- Contains zucchini, a low-calorie vegetable high in vitamins and minerals.
Tags
LebaneseVegetarianRice Dish