Riz Ma' Kousa Wa Fawda Wa Kebab

Riz Ma' Kousa Wa Fawda Wa Kebab is a delightful Lebanese rice dish featuring fluffy rice, tender zucchini, and flavorful kebabs, all infused with aromatic spices. This comforting meal celebrates the essence of Lebanese cuisine with its vibrant flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Zucchini (kousa) - 2 medium, diced
• Ground beef - 200 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, 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
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Chicken or vegetable broth - 300 ml
• Pine nuts - 30 grams, toasted
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and translucent.
3. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Stir in the tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Remove the meat mixture from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the diced zucchini for about 5 minutes until slightly softened. Set aside with the meat mixture.
5. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
6. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
7. While the rice is cooking, shape the meat mixture into small kebab patties and grill or pan-fry them until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes on each side.
8. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and mix in the sautéed zucchini and toasted pine nuts. Serve the rice on a plate, topped with the kebabs, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from the beef, supporting muscle health.
• Contains zucchini, which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

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