Riz bil Kousa wa Lahme

Riz bil Kousa wa Lahme is a traditional Lebanese rice dish featuring tender zucchini stuffed with a savory meat and rice mixture, all simmered together for a deliciously comforting meal. This gluten-free recipe highlights the flavors of the Mediterranean with fresh herbs and spices.

Ingredients

• Zucchini - 2 medium
• Ground beef or lamb - 250 grams
• Long-grain rice - 100 grams (uncooked)
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Allspice - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Water - 400 ml

Steps

1. Begin by washing the zucchini and cutting off the tops. Using a small knife or a corer, carefully hollow out the insides of the zucchini, creating space for the filling. Set the hollowed zucchini aside.
2. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef or lamb to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned, stir in the tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with uncooked rice and chopped parsley. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Stuff the hollowed zucchini with the meat and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling. Place the stuffed zucchini upright in a pot.
6. In the same pan where you cooked the meat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 400 ml of water. Bring to a boil, then pour the liquid over the stuffed zucchini in the pot.
7. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the rice is cooked through.
8. Once done, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired and garnish with extra parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 500
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 75 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein due to the meat, supporting muscle health.
• Zucchini is low in calories and high in water, making it great for hydration.

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