Recipes

Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini (Kousa Mahsi)

Serves 4

| Prep Time: 20 mins

| Cook Time: 45 mins

| Total Time: 65 mins

You may need: Zaatar

Discover The Recipe

Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini or “Kousa Mahshi” is a popular Lebanese dish that consists of spiced meat and rice stuffed in a hollowed out zucchini which is then simmered in a garlicky tomato broth. Stuffed vegetables are not uncommon in Lebanese cuisine and can be classified as the ultimate comfort food. While each household has their own version, this dish is great to make with the kids for hands on fun.

Although this recipe is traditionally made with meat, it can easily be made plant-based and our chefs have prepared a delicious vegetarian version to try. This Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini is dusted with the magical Lebanese spice blend Za’atar that is made with thyme, sumac, oregano, marjoram and sesame seed. Za'atar adds pleasant earthy, nutty and floral-sweet notes to this dish and gives it an authentic Middle Eastern identity. We substituted the ground meat in the filling with mushrooms to provide a substantial amount of bite and body – so much so that you won’t even miss the meat. Once the zucchini is stuffed, it is then simmered in a homemade, aromatic tomato broth until nice and tender. This crowd pleasing recipe is a star on its own and checks off all the components of a full meal – as protein, a starch and a vegetable.

Ingredients

2 large zucchini
Tomato Broth:
1 Tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic
2 cups tomato sauce
2 cups vegetable stock
1 tsp salt
Black pepper to taste
Filling:
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small onion, minced
2 cups mushrooms, chopped
2 tsp Piquant Post Zaatar
1 cup long grain white rice
1 large tomato, cut into wedges

Notes

When cooking the stuffed squash in the broth, use a small round plate to weigh down the squash and help them stay under the broth.

Be sure to leave a little room inside the zucchini for the rice to expand as it cooks!

Instructions

To prepare the zucchini, trim off the ends and use an apple corer to remove the center of the flesh of the zucchini. Do this step carefully, making sure to go straight down the center of the zucchini.

To make the tomato broth, heat the olive oil in a heavy bottomed skillet, and add the garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes on low heat and then add the tomato sauce, vegetable stock, salt and black pepper to taste. Allow to come to a simmer while you prepare the filling.

To prepare the filling, heat the olive oil in a skillet and add the garlic, onion and chopped mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes and then stir in the Piquant Post Zaatar and the rice. Stir until well combined.

Stuff the filling into the hollowed out zucchini and then plug the ends with a tomato wedge to prevent the filling from spilling out. Place the stuffed zucchinis into the simmering broth and cook for 45 minutes on low heat, until the sauce is reduced and the rice is fully cooked.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feel free to use other grains besides rice for this recipe, like quinoa or millet.
This recipe is usually made with ground beef and rice mixed together, but don’t be afraid to try other veggies, like carrots, bell pepper and chopped tomato. You can also use a vegan ground beef for a more authentic style.
Looking for more delicious zaatar recipes? Try our Zaatar Roasted Salmon, or Zaatar Spiced Fish Cakes, our Zaatar Roasted Chicken, or our Roasted Squash with Zaatar Fattoush.
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