Kousa mahshi

kousa_mahshi

Kousa mahshi is a traditional Lebanese dish that is incredibly popular in the Middle East. It is made using zucchini or summer squash, which are hollowed out and stuffed with a delicious mixture of rice, ground beef, onions, and spices. The dish is then baked in tomato sauce, giving it a rich and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the filling.

Kousa mahshi is a dish that has been enjoyed by Lebanese families for generations. It is typically served during special occasions and holidays, and is often prepared as a communal dish that everyone contributes to. The dish is not only popular in Lebanon, but has spread to other parts of the Middle East, including Syria, Palestine, and Jordan.

The ingredients for kousa mahshi are relatively simple and easy to find. Zucchini or summer squash are the main ingredient, and are typically purchased fresh from local markets. The filling is made with a combination of long-grained rice and ground beef or lamb, which is then mixed with onions, garlic, spices, and herbs such as parsley and mint. Tomato sauce and water are added to the baking dish to create the flavorful sauce that the stuffed zucchini will cook in.

There are many variations of kousa mahshi, and families often have their own unique recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Some families may choose to add extras ingredients to their recipe, such as pine nuts, raisins, or even cinnamon. However, the basic ingredients and cooking method remain the same for most variations of the dish.

Preparing kousa mahshi is a time-intensive process, as each individual zucchini or squash must be carefully hollowed out by hand before being stuffed with the rice and beef mixture. However, the end result is well worth the effort, as the delicious flavors and aromas of the dish are sure to please even the most discerning palates.

Kousa mahshi is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. It can be served as a main course or as a side dish, and pairs well with a variety of other Middle Eastern dishes. Whether you are a fan of Lebanese cuisine or simply looking for a new and unique recipe to try, kousa mahshi is the perfect dish to add to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

  • 10-12 zucchinis (green, long and thin)
  • 1 pound of ground beef or lamb
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 cup of uncooked short grain rice
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon of allspice
  • 1 teaspoon of dried mint
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom
  • 4 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 4 cups of water
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the zucchinis under running water, then slice off the stem ends and discard.

  2. Use a corer or a small melon baller to hollow out the centers of the zucchinis, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh all around.

  3. Rinse the hollowed-out zucchinis and set them aside.

  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, uncooked rice, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, allspice, dried mint, and ground cardamom.

  5. Stir the ingredients very well to mix.

  6. Add the tomato paste, olive oil, and 1 cup of water to the bowl, and mix everything together until you have a sticky, evenly blended filling.

  7. Stuff the prepared zucchinis with the meat and rice mixture, filling each one up to the top, and gently pressing down to compact.

  8. Line a large cooking pot with a few layers of the stuffed zucchinis.

  9. Mix the remaining water and lemon juice together, and pour over the vegetables in the pot.

  10. Cover the pot, and place it over medium-high heat to bring the liquids to a boil.

  11. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer the stuffed zucchinis for 45-60 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the vegetables are tender.

  12. Add a little more water to the pot if necessary to prevent the stuffing from burning.

  13. Once cooked through, remove the stuffed zucchinis from the pot using a slotted spoon, and transfer them to a serving platter.

  14. Spoon the cooking liquid over the zucchinis, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot with pita bread or Arabic rice. Enjoy!