Riz Bil Kousa Wa Lahme

Riz Bil Kousa Wa Lahme is a hearty Lebanese dish featuring seasoned ground meat and zucchini served over fragrant rice. This Paleo-friendly version highlights fresh ingredients and rich flavors, perfect for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

• Zucchini - 2 medium
• Ground lamb or beef - 250 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Rice (cauliflower for Paleo) - 200 grams, grated
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Water - 300 milliliters

Steps

1. Begin by preparing the zucchini: cut off the ends and hollow them out using a small spoon, creating boats. Set aside.
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 to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
5. Add the tomato paste, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Stuff the hollowed zucchini with the meat mixture, packing it lightly.
7. In a separate pot, combine the grated cauliflower with water, bring it to a boil, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
8. Place the stuffed zucchini in the skillet with remaining meat sauce, cover, and add a splash of water if needed. Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the zucchini are tender.
9. Serve the stuffed zucchini over the cauliflower rice, garnishing with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 75 mg
• Total Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein and healthy fats from the meat and olive oil.
• High in vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals.

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