Riz Bil Kousa Wa Moutabbal

Riz Bil Kousa Wa Moutabbal is a delightful Lebanese rice dish featuring tender zucchini and a creamy eggplant dip. This comforting meal is both flavorful and nutritious, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Water - 300 ml
• Zucchini - 2 medium-sized
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Eggplant - 1 medium-sized
• Tahini - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Fresh parsley - for garnish

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes, then drain.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the onions and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the drained rice, coating it with the onion mixture. Pour in the 300 ml of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
5. While the rice is cooking, prepare the zucchini. Slice the zucchini into thin rounds. In a pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the zucchini until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
6. For the moutabbal, cut the eggplant in half and roast it in the oven at 200°C for 25-30 minutes until soft. Once cooled, scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
7. Add tahini, lemon juice, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil to the eggplant flesh and blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
8. To serve, fluff the rice with a fork, plate it, and top with sautéed zucchini. Serve the moutabbal on the side, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 68 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• High in fiber from zucchini and eggplant, promoting digestive health.
• Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting overall health and wellness.

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