Riz Bil Kousa wa Mahshi

Riz Bil Kousa wa Mahshi is a delightful Lebanese dish featuring zucchini stuffed with a flavorful rice mixture, simmered in a tomato sauce. This vegetarian meal is both hearty and satisfying, perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

• Zucchini - 4 medium
• Long-grain rice - 150 grams (3/4 cup)
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley - 30 grams, chopped
• Olive oil - 30 ml (2 tablespoons)
• Tomato paste - 30 grams (2 tablespoons)
• Vegetable broth - 500 ml (2 cups)
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon
• Allspice - 1/4 teaspoon

Steps

1. Wash the zucchinis and cut off the tops, then hollow them out using a small spoon, leaving about 1 cm of flesh on the sides. Set aside the scooped-out flesh.
2. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and diced tomato to the pan, cooking for another 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
4. Stir in the rice, parsley, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and allspice, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
5. Add the reserved zucchini flesh to the rice mixture and stir well. Remove from heat.
6. Stuff each hollowed zucchini with the rice mixture, packing it tightly but leaving some space at the top for the rice to expand.
7. In a large pot, combine the vegetable broth and tomato paste, stirring well. Bring to a simmer.
8. Carefully place the stuffed zucchinis upright in the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 30-35 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the rice is fully cooked.
9. Serve warm, drizzled with a bit of extra olive oil and garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 7 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from zucchini and parsley.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.

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