Riz Ma' Kousa Wa Lahme

Riz Ma' Kousa Wa Lahme is a fragrant Lebanese rice dish featuring zucchini and spiced ground meat, creating a comforting and hearty meal. This dish is not only flavorful but also showcases the essence of Lebanese cuisine with its aromatic spices and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Ground beef or lamb - 200 grams
• Zucchini - 2 medium-sized
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Allspice - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Water - 300 milliliters

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 large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the diced tomato to the meat mixture and cook for another 3 minutes until the tomato softens.
6. While the meat is cooking, wash the zucchini and cut them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out some of the flesh to create a cavity for the filling.
7. Once the meat mixture is ready, fill the zucchini halves with the meat mixture tightly.
8. In a separate pot, bring 300 milliliters of water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice, and season with salt. Cook for 10 minutes on medium heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 10 more minutes.
9. In the same pot where you cooked the rice, place the stuffed zucchini on top of the rice, cover, and steam for an additional 10 minutes until the zucchini are tender.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving and enjoy your Riz Ma' Kousa Wa Lahme!

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 85 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from the meat, supporting muscle health.
• Zucchini provides essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health.

Tags