Riz Bil Kousa Wa Mahshi

Riz Bil Kousa Wa Mahshi is a delightful Lebanese dish featuring spiced rice stuffed into zucchini, offering a beautiful blend of flavors and textures. This gluten-free recipe is perfect for a comforting meal that showcases the essence of Lebanese cuisine.

Ingredients

• Zucchini - 2 medium-sized
• Long-grain rice - 100 grams
• Ground beef or lamb - 150 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Allspice - 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Vegetable broth - 300 ml
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Wash the zucchini and cut off the tops. Carefully hollow them out using a small spoon or a corer, making sure not to puncture the skin.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and ground meat to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned, stirring occasionally, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined.
5. Add the rice and chopped parsley to the meat mixture, stirring to combine everything evenly.
6. Pour in 200 ml of vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
7. Stuff each hollowed zucchini with the rice and meat mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in. Place the stuffed zucchinis in a pot upright.
8. Pour the remaining vegetable broth into the pot, cover, and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes until the zucchinis are tender.
9. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving and enjoy your Riz Bil Kousa Wa Mahshi!

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Rich in protein and essential nutrients from the meat and rice, providing a balanced meal.

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