Mediterranean Lebanon, Syria
Kousa Mahshi, Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini, Courgette Dolma
Tender zucchini are hollowed and filled with a fragrant mix of rice, herbs, and spices before being slow-simmered to melting perfection. This traditional Mediterranean comfort food bursts with subtle aroma and heartwarming taste. It’s a dish that feels like home in every bite.
Above values do not change with any serving size changes you make below
| 8 small to medium zucchini (courgette), 15-18cm/6-7 inches long |
| 300 g / 10.5 oz minced lamb or beef (20% fat) |
| 150 g / 5.3 oz/¾ cup sushi rice |
| 1 large onion, finely diced |
| 3 cloves garlic, minced |
| 2 tbsp tomato puree |
| 400 g / 14 oz can diced tomatoes |
| 2 tsp dry mint |
| 1 tsp allspice |
| ½ tsp cinnamon |
| ½ tsp ground pepper |
| 60 ml / ¼ cup/2 fl oz olive oil |
| 1 lemon, juiced |
| 500 ml / 2 cups/17 fl oz chicken or vegetable stock |
1 Core zucchini: Cut off stem ends. Using a corer or long thin knife, carefully hollow out zucchini, leaving 5mm walls. Reserve flesh for other use.
2 Make filling: Mix ground meat, uncooked rice, half the onion, garlic, 1 tbsp tomato paste, mint, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3 Stuff: Fill each zucchini 3/4 full (rice expands). Do not overstuff or they will burst.
4 Make sauce: In a large deep pot, heat olive oil. Sauté remaining onion until soft. Add remaining tomato paste, cook 2 mins. Add canned tomatoes, stock, and lemon juice. Season with salt.
5 Arrange: Place stuffed zucchini tightly in pot, single layer if possible. Pour sauce over to mostly cover.
6 Cook: Bring to gentle boil. Cover, reduce to low. Simmer 45-50 mins until zucchini is tender and rice is cooked. Add water if needed during cooking.
7 Serve: Let rest 10 mins. Serve hot with yogurt and flatbread, drizzled with cooking liquid.
Zucchini is low-calorie, high in fiber and vitamins A and C.
Lean meat provides protein and iron.
Rice adds energy-sustaining carbohydrates.
Mint aids digestion.
The dish is naturally gluten-free.
Balanced nutrition with vegetables, protein, and grains in one dish.
Nutritional information is provided as a general guide only. Values may vary and should not replace professional medical or dietary advice.
Kousa Mahshi are tender courgettes filled with savoury rice and meat, simmered gently until soft. The flavours meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting, homely dish that’s balanced and filling.
It’s understated yet deeply satisfying, a true Mediterranean classic.
Levantine cuisine represents one of humanity's oldest continuous food traditions, emerging from the Fertile Crescent where agriculture began.
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