KOUSA MAHSHI

Kousa Mahshi is a classic middle eastern dish that features cored zucchini stuffed with seasoned ground beef and rice, all simmered in a flavourful tomato sauce.

KOUSA MAHSHI - (STUFFED ZUCCHINI)

Ingredients

• 30 mini zucchinis

• 300 g rice (soaked for 30 minutes)

• 250 g minced meat (beef or lamb)

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 2 tbsp dried mint

• 3 tbsp dried parsley

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 100 g diced onion

• 2 tbsp oil

For the Sauce

• Juice of 1½ lemons

• 4 tbsp oil

• 4 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 liter water

Instructions

Wash the zucchinis, trim the tops and bottoms, and carefully core them.

(Optional) Lightly scratch the outside with a fork from top to bottom to create decorative stripes.

In a large bowl, combine the soaked rice, minced meat, salt, pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, dried mint, dried parsley, lemon juice, tomato paste, diced onion, and oil. Mix well until evenly combined.

Fill each zucchini with the mixture.Arrange them snugly in a large pot.

In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, oil, tomato paste, salt, and water. Pour this mixture over the stuffed zucchinis in the pot — it should almost cover them.

Place a small plate on top of the zucchinis to keep them in place, then cover the pot halfway with the lid.

Cook over medium-high heat for about 1 hour, or until the zucchinis and rice are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Serve warm, with some of the cooking sauce spooned over the zucchinis.