Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini (Kousa Mahshi)

Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini, known as Kousa Mahshi, is a cherished dish deeply rooted in Lebanese cuisine, reflecting the country's rich culinary heritage. This flavorful recipe involves hollowing out zucchinis and filling them with a tantalizing mixture, creating a dish that's both hearty and aromatic.

Ingredients for Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini (Kousa Mahshi):

Zucchinis
Ground meat (commonly beef or lamb)
Rice
Herbs and spices (such as mint, parsley, cinnamon, allspice)


How to Make Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini (Kousa Mahshi):

Carefully hollow out zucchinis, creating a cavity to hold the filling.
Prepare a mixture of ground meat, rice, herbs, and spices, creating a flavorful stuffing.
Fill the zucchinis with this mixture, ensuring they're tightly packed.
Arrange the stuffed zucchinis in a pot, cover them with water, and simmer until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is cooked through.
Serve the Kousa Mahshi hot, often accompanied by yogurt or a tangy tomato sauce.


Different Approaches to Making Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini (Kousa Mahshi):

Variations in Kousa Mahshi recipes can include using different types of meat or adjusting the spice blend according to personal preference. Some might add pine nuts or raisins to the filling for added texture and sweetness. Additionally, the cooking method may vary between simmering on the stovetop or baking in the oven, each method imparting its unique taste profile.

The key to achieving the perfect Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini lies in the balance of flavors within the filling and ensuring the zucchinis are cooked tender yet hold their shape. Kousa Mahshi serves not only as a delicious meal but also as a cultural representation of Lebanese culinary traditions, delighting palates with its savory essence and aromatic blend of spices.



More Lebanese Recipes You'll Love
Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra)
Garlic Sauce (Whipped Toum)
Hashweh
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini (Kousa Mahshi)



Lebanese kousa mahshi is a recipe that takes me right back home. Minced meat rice stuffed zucchinis are cooked in a gorgeous tomato broth.

Prep: 30 mins

Cook: 60 mins

Serves: 6

Ingredients

4 lbs zucchinis, cored
1-2 large tomatoes chopped into chunks
1½ cup short-grain rice
1 lb minced meat (lamb, veal, or beef)
4 tablespoons butter melted
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon Lebanese 7 spices
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
Enough water to cover all of the stuffed zucchinis

Instructions

1.Wash the zucchinis and core them.

2.Rinse the rice and drain. Then, place it in a glass bowl.

3.Add the minced meat to the rice. Top the rice and minced meat with spices and salt.

4.Melt the butter and add it to the rice/meat mixture.

5.Use your hands or a spoon to mix the stuffing ingredients really well.

6.Start stuffing each cored zucchini (until you reach ¾ to its opening).

7.Close each piece with a tomato chunk and place it in a large cooking pot.

8.Once all the stuffed zucchinis are in the pot, add enough water to cover them.

9.Bring the stuffed zucchinis to a boil for around 10-15 minutes.

10.Mix the tomato paste with a little bit of water. Add the tomato paste to the pot with 2 bay leaves. Season with salt to taste.

11.Simmer the kousa mahshi on low to medium heat for about 30-45 minutes.

12.Remove from heat and serve hot.

Notes

*Stuffed zucchinis do not freeze well but can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days after cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 3kousa squash | Calories: 507kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 2027mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 11g



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