Riz Ma' Kousa Wa Laban

Riz Ma' Kousa Wa Laban is a delightful Lebanese rice dish featuring tender zucchini and a creamy yogurt sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for a cozy dinner, combining fresh vegetables and aromatic spices to create a satisfying experience.

Ingredients

• Long-grain rice - 1 cup
• Water - 2 cups
• Zucchini - 2 medium-sized, diced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Plain yogurt - 1 cup
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish

Steps

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in cold water for 20 minutes.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced zucchini to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.
4. Stir in the soaked rice, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
5. Pour in 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
6. While the rice is cooking, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing the plain yogurt with lemon juice, salt, and a pinch of black pepper in a bowl.
7. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
8. Serve the rice topped with the yogurt sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 5 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from zucchini, promoting good health.
• Contains probiotics from yogurt, which support digestive health.

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