Koussa Mehchi
Discover the comforting flavors of the Middle East with this Koussa Mehchi recipe, a classic dish of tender zucchini stuffed with a fragrant mixture of spiced ground meat, rice, and fresh herbs. Each zucchini is carefully hollowed and filled with a savory blend of ground beef or lamb, aromatic allspice, cinnamon, and parsley, then simmered to perfection in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. The addition of a splash of lemon juice at the end brings a bright, zesty finish to the dish. Perfect for a hearty family meal or a special gathering, Koussa Mehchi is a wholesome, gluten-free recipe that's as nourishing as it is delicious. Serve with a drizzle of the robust tomato sauce for a complete and satisfying plate. Whether you're a fan of Levantine cuisine or exploring it for the first time, this recipe is bound to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 zucchini (medium-sized)
- 250 g ground beef or lamb
- 100 g long grain rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 30 g fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 400 ml tomato puree
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 500 ml water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
Wash and hollow out the zucchini using a corer, making sure not to pierce through the skin. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef or lamb, rice, onion, garlic, parsley, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, allspice, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Stuff each zucchini with the meat and rice mixture, leaving a little space at the top for the rice to expand during cooking.
In a large pot, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Pour in tomato puree, water, and remaining salt and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Add the stuffed zucchini to the tomato sauce carefully, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 50-60 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and the rice is cooked through.
Once cooked, add lemon juice to the sauce and gently stir.
Serve the stuffed zucchini with some of the tomato sauce and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
375 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.3 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 42 mg | 14% | |
| Sodium | 1070 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.7 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.7 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.0 g | ||
| Protein | 20.8 g | 42% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 147 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1798 mg | 38% | |
*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.
