Riz Bil Kousa Wa Warak Enab

Riz Bil Kousa Wa Warak Enab is a traditional Lebanese rice dish featuring fragrant rice stuffed into zucchini and grape leaves, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This dish is both hearty and healthy, perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• Long-grain rice - 150 grams
• Zucchini - 2 medium-sized
• Grape leaves - 10-12 leaves (jarred or fresh)
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Ground beef or lamb - 100 grams (optional for stuffing)
• Pine nuts - 30 grams, toasted
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Allspice - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Vegetable broth - 300 ml
• Fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Fresh parsley - a handful, chopped

Steps

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 20 minutes and drain.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. If using, add the ground meat and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the drained rice, diced tomato, pine nuts, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Stuff the zucchini by hollowing them out and filling them with the rice mixture.
5. For the grape leaves, lay a leaf flat, place a spoonful of the rice mixture at the stem end, fold the sides over, and roll tightly.
6. In a large pot, place the stuffed zucchini and grape leaves, layered carefully. Pour vegetable broth over the top and drizzle with lemon juice.
7. Cover the pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 30-35 minutes until the rice and zucchini are tender.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber from zucchini and grape leaves, promoting digestive health.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, supporting heart health.

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