Riz bil Kousa wa Kharouf

Riz bil Kousa wa Kharouf is a delightful Lebanese rice dish featuring tender zucchini and savory lamb, infused with aromatic spices. This gluten-free dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a comforting meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Lamb shoulder, diced - 200 grams
• Zucchini, medium-sized - 2 pieces
• Onion, finely chopped - 1 medium
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Tomato paste - 1 tablespoon
• Ground 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, chopped - 2 tablespoons

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 20 minutes.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and diced lamb to the pot, cooking until the lamb is browned on all sides.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, ground cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Add the water to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes until the lamb is tender.
6. While the lamb is cooking, wash the zucchini and cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds to create a hollow center.
7. After 20 minutes, stir in the soaked and drained basmati rice into the pot with the lamb, followed by the halved zucchini.
8. Cover and cook on low heat for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and has absorbed the liquid.
9. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 570
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from the lamb, supporting muscle health.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from zucchini, contributing to overall health.

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