Kousa mihshi

Kousa Mihshi Recipe from Lebanon - Vegetarian Dish with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Spices

Region / culture: Lebanon | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Kousa mihshi is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that consists of zucchini stuffed with a flavorful mixture of minced meat and rice, cooked in a delicious tomato sauce. This dish is not only delicious, but also nutritious, making it a popular choice for family dinners and special occasions.

History

Kousa mihshi has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries, with variations of the dish found in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. The dish is typically served during the summer months when zucchinis are in season and at their peak freshness. It is a dish that is loved by many for its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients.

Ingredients

32 oz (907 g) medium zucchini
7 oz (198 g) minced meat
1 cup short grain rice, washed
32 oz (907 g) red tomatoes, peeled and chopped
2 tsp salt
a dash of ground allspice and black pepper (optional)
a dash of ground cinnamon (optional)
1 tbls shortening or butter
5 cloves garlic, crushed with a dash of salt
2 cup water
4 tbls lemon juice

How to prepare

Wash the zucchini thoroughly.
Remove the stems using a knife.
Hollow out the zucchini using an apple corer.
Wash the zucchini inside and out, then drain.
For the filling, mix minced meat with rice.
Stir in salt and spices.
Stuff the zucchini, shaking each one after filling to ensure even distribution (do not overstuff).
Arrange the stuffed zucchini in a pot.
Invert a plate on top.
Strain the tomatoes using a colander.
Add 2 cups of water, shortening, and a dash of salt.
Place the tomato juice in a pot over medium heat.
When it boils, add it to the zucchini.
Cook for 1 hour, or until tender.
Add crushed garlic and lemon juice.
Cook for 5 minutes.
Serve the zucchini and sauce hot, either separately or together in a large bowl.

Variations

Vegetarian option: Replace the minced meat with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of kousa mihshi.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
Cheese topping: Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the stuffed zucchinis before baking for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to hollow out the zucchinis evenly to ensure that they cook evenly.

- Do not overstuff the zucchinis, as the filling will expand during cooking.

- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor in the sauce.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more or less salt, pepper, and cinnamon.

Serving Suggestions

Kousa mihshi can be served as a main dish with a side of rice or bread. It pairs well with a fresh salad or yogurt on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling: The zucchinis are boiled in a tomato sauce until tender and flavorful.

- Stuffing: The zucchinis are stuffed with a mixture of minced meat and rice before cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground beef can be used instead of minced meat.

- Brown rice can be used instead of short rice for a healthier option.

- Olive oil can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Kousa mihshi can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the kousa mihshi on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or almonds on top for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Kousa mihshi pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as tabbouleh, hummus, or baba ganoush. It also goes well with a glass of red wine or a refreshing mint tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover kousa mihshi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of kousa mihshi contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of kousa mihshi contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the rice and zucchini in the dish.

Fats

Each serving of kousa mihshi contains approximately 10 grams of fat. The fat content mainly comes from the minced meat and butter used in the filling.

Proteins

Each serving of kousa mihshi contains approximately 15 grams of protein. The protein content comes from the minced meat used in the filling.

Vitamins and minerals

Kousa mihshi is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and iron. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Kousa mihshi contains allergens such as wheat (from the rice) and dairy (from the butter). It is important to be mindful of these allergens when preparing and serving the dish.

Summary

Overall, kousa mihshi is a nutritious and balanced meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Kousa mihshi is a delicious and nutritious Middle Eastern dish that is perfect for family dinners and special occasions. With its flavorful filling and tender zucchinis cooked in a rich tomato sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the flavors of the Middle East with this classic recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Kousa mihshi. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Lebanon. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special meal for our family.

As we worked side by side, she began to tell me the story of how she had learned to make Kousa mihshi. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations of our family, with each cook adding their own unique twist to the dish.

My grandmother's version of Kousa mihshi was a delicious combination of zucchini stuffed with a mixture of rice, ground beef, onions, and spices. The flavors blended together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

I watched in awe as my grandmother expertly prepared the zucchini, hollowing them out with a sharp knife and filling them with the savory filling. She moved with such grace and precision, her hands working quickly and confidently as she assembled each one.

As the aroma of the cooking filled the kitchen, I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. When it was finally ready, we all sat down at the table and dug in. The flavors exploded in my mouth, the tender zucchini and flavorful filling melting together in a perfect harmony.

From that moment on, Kousa mihshi became a staple in our family's repertoire of recipes. Whenever we had a special occasion to celebrate, my grandmother would make a big batch of the dish, filling the house with the delicious scent of cooking.

Over the years, I watched my grandmother make Kousa mihshi countless times, learning the recipe by heart as I helped her in the kitchen. I picked up on all of her tips and tricks, from how to choose the perfect zucchinis to how to season the filling just right.

As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make Kousa mihshi for them, passing on the tradition that had been handed down to me. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, always receiving rave reviews for the dish.

One day, I decided to take a trip back to Lebanon to visit my grandmother and thank her for teaching me how to make Kousa mihshi. I found her in the kitchen, as always, preparing a batch of the dish for dinner.

I hugged her tightly, tears welling up in my eyes as I expressed my gratitude for all that she had taught me. She smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with pride as she watched me make the dish that she had passed down to me.

As we sat down to eat, I savored each bite of the Kousa mihshi, feeling a deep connection to my heritage and the generations of strong, talented women who had come before me. I knew that this recipe would continue to be a part of my family's story for years to come, bringing us together around the table to share in its delicious flavors and rich history.