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.
Stuffed Kousa Zucchini
Ingredients:
– 4 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1 cup lean ground beef or lamb
– 1/2 cup long-grain white rice
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 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.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
4. Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
5. 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.
6. Fill each hollowed-out zucchini boat with the meat and rice mixture, pressing it down gently.
7. Place the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish. Pour the water around the zucchinis in the dish to help them cook and stay moist.
8. 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.
9. Uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the tops of the zucchinis to slightly brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let the stuffed zucchinis rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
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.
