Cousa Mashi Arabic Stuffed Zucchini
Delight in the comforting flavors of the Middle East with Cousa Mashi, a traditional Arabic stuffed zucchini dish that's as visually stunning as it is delicious. Tender zucchini is expertly hollowed and filled with a fragrant mixture of short-grain rice, seasoned ground beef or lamb, warm cinnamon, allspice, and fresh mint for an optional aromatic twist. Simmered to perfection in a rich and tangy tomato sauce infused with garlic and olive oil, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of hearty and light. Perfect as a centerpiece for family dinners or special gatherings, Cousa Mashi is best served warm with a dollop of creamy yogurt or soft pita bread to soak up the luscious sauce. Easy to make yet full of authentic flavor, this one-pot dish is a brilliant way to bring the tastes of Arabic cuisine to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 10 Zucchini (small to medium sized)
- 1 cup Short-grain rice
- 250 grams Ground beef or lamb
- 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 2 cups Tomato (pureed)
- 3 cups Water or chicken stock
- 0.5 teaspoons Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoons Allspice
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoons Black pepper
- 2 Garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh mint (finely chopped, optional)
Instructions
Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and use a zucchini corer to hollow them out, being careful not to puncture the sides or bottom. Set aside.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
In a mixing bowl, combine the rice, ground meat, 1 teaspoon salt, 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon, 0.5 teaspoon allspice, and chopped fresh mint (if using). Mix well to create the stuffing.
Stuff each hollowed zucchini with the rice and meat mixture, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top to allow the rice to expand during cooking. Do not overfill.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, then add the pureed tomatoes and 3 cups of water or chicken stock. Season the sauce with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and 0.5 teaspoon of allspice. Bring to a gentle boil.
Carefully place the stuffed zucchinis into the pot, arranging them so they fit snugly. The sauce should cover the zucchinis or come up to at least 3/4 of their height. Add more water or stock if necessary.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 50-60 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the rice filling is fully cooked.
Gently remove the zucchinis from the sauce and arrange them on a serving platter. Spoon the tomato sauce over the zucchinis.
Serve the Cousa Mashi warm with a side of yogurt or pita bread, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
305 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 12.6 g | 16% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 33 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 859 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.4 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.6 g | ||
| Protein | 17.8 g | 36% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 113 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 1530 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
