Riz Bil Kousa wa Laban

Riz Bil Kousa wa Laban is a delightful Lebanese rice dish featuring tender zucchini and a creamy yogurt sauce. This vegetarian recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• Long-grain rice - 1 cup
• Zucchini - 2 medium, grated
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Vegetable broth - 2 cups
• Yogurt - 1 cup (plain, preferably Greek)
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Fresh mint - 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 20 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated zucchini to the skillet, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the zucchini softens.
4. Stir in the ground cumin, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to combine.
5. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the skillet, stirring to coat the rice with the mixture.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the yogurt and lemon juice, mixing well.
8. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork. Serve the rice topped with the yogurt mixture and garnish with chopped fresh mint.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 55 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 5 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Water: 0.45 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber from zucchini and rice, promoting digestive health.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil, supporting heart health.

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