Stuffed Kousa Zucchini
For a delightful taste of Lebanon in your own kitchen, let's explore a delicious recipe for Stuffed Kousa Zucchini. This traditional Lebanese dish features tender zucchinis filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground meat, rice, aromatic herbs, and warm spices. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress guests with a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds with its comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Wash the zucchinis and trim off the stems. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon or a melon baller, carefully hollow out the insides of the zucchinis, creating small boats. Reserve the pulp for the filling.
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
-
Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
-
Stir in the reserved zucchini pulp, rice, tomato paste, ground cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
-
Fill each hollowed-out zucchini boat with the meat and rice mixture, pressing it down gently.
-
Place the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish. Pour the water around the zucchinis in the dish to help them cook and stay moist.
-
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is cooked through.
-
Uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the tops of the zucchinis to slightly brown.
-
Remove from the oven and let the stuffed zucchinis rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 stuffed zucchini boat- Calories
- 380 kcal
- Total Fat
- 18 g
- Saturated Fat
- 5 g
- Cholesterol
- 60 mg
- Sodium
- 450 mg
- Total Carbohydrate
- 30 g
- Dietary Fiber
- 3 g
- Sugars
- 4 g
- Protein
- 25 g
These Stuffed Kousa Zucchinis are a delightful way to introduce the flavors of Lebanon into your home. The combination of tender zucchinis, aromatic spices, and savory filling creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Enjoy this meal with a side of creamy yogurt or a fresh salad for a complete and nutritious dinner that will transport you to the bustling souks of Beirut.