Cousa Mashi – Arabic Stuffed Zucchini

May 23, 2023May 23, 20230 15
Cousa Mashi - Arabic Stuffed Zucchini recipe for your next family dinner
in Middle Eastern

Prep

40 min

Cook

1 hour

Ready In

1 hour and 40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 cups short-grain rice
1/2 lb ground beef ( or ground lamb )
3 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pinch saffron , if desired
15 zucchini
5 eggplants , small
2 green peppers , small
6 large tomatoes
water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons salt
4 garlic cloves , crushed
1 tablespoon dried mint , crushed

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6-8
Calories
409
Sugar
5g
Fat
20g
Cousa Mashi is a popular dish in the Middle Eastern countries, especially in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It is often served during special occasions or family gatherings. The name 'Cousa Mashi' literally means 'stuffed zucchini' in Arabic. This dish is not only delicious and filling, but it's also a great way to use up leftover vegetables and rice. The vegetables can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients, such as chickpeas, lentils, or cheese, to make it a vegetarian option. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone around the world.

Instructions

1.Rinse the rice and soak in water for 20 minutes.
2.In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with 2 teaspoons salt, pepper, allspice, turmeric, and olive oil. Add the saffron if desired.
3.Slice off the top of each zucchini and eggplant. Carefully scoop out the pulp using a small knife or spoon.
4.In a separate bowl, mix the rice with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Add in the crushed garlic and dried mint.
5.Add the rice mixture to the bowl with the ground beef, and mix well.
6.Stuff each zucchini and eggplant with the rice and meat mixture. Replace the lids on the vegetables.
7.Slice the tops off the tomatoes and reserve for later use. Scoop out the pulp and seeds using a small knife or spoon.
8.Stuff the tomatoes with the remaining rice and meat mixture.
9.In a large pot, place the stuffed vegetables tightly together, starting with the zucchinis and eggplants, then adding the stuffed tomatoes on top. Place the reserved tomato tops on the stuffed tomatoes. Pour in enough water to cover the vegetables by about 2 inches.
10.Place a plate or lid over the vegetables to prevent them from moving around while cooking. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 1 hour or until the vegetables are tender. Serve hot!

PROS

Cousa Mashi is a delicious and flavorful Middle Eastern dish that is perfect for serving a crowd.
The combination of ground beef and rice with a variety of vegetables provides a complete meal in one pot.

It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it a great option for meal prep.

CONS

This dish is high in carbohydrates and calories, so it’s best to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
It also requires some prep time and cooking time, so it’s not a quick and easy meal to make.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Cousa Mashi is packed with nutrition, thanks to its variety of vegetables. Zucchini is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Eggplant is also low in calories but high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, which has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer. Rice and beef provide protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

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