Kousa mihshi bil laban

Kousa Mihshi Bil Laban Recipe - Vegetarian Lebanese Food

Region / culture: Lebanon | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Kousa mihshi bil laban is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with zucchini stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, cooked in a creamy yogurt sauce. This dish is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

History

Kousa mihshi bil laban has been a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Lebanon and Syria, where zucchinis are abundant and commonly used in cooking. The dish has since spread to other countries in the region, with each country adding its own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

64 oz (1.81 kg) zucchini, medium size
48 oz (1.36 kg) yoghurt
3 cloves garlic, crushed with a dash of salt
leaves of 5 mint stalks, finely chopped
4 cup water
0.5 tsp salt (optional)
16 oz (454 g) ground meat
1.5 cup rice
2 tbsp shortening or butter
a dash of salt
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 cup fried pine nuts (optional)

How to prepare

Cook the yogurt.
Wash the zucchini, cut off the stem, and hollow them out using an apple corer.
Mix all the ingredients for the filling.
Stuff the zucchini.
Put them in a pot with water, salt, and 0.25 times the quantity of cooked yogurt.
Cook over medium heat for 30 minutes.
Add the zucchini to the boiling yogurt and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes.
Add crushed garlic and dried mint to the mixture.
Boil for another 5 minutes.
Serve with spring onions and fresh mint.

Variations

Vegetarian option: Replace the ground meat with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of the dish.
Spicy version: Add chopped chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.
Cheese topping: Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the zucchinis before baking for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Use a mixture of ground meat and rice for the filling to add flavor and texture to the dish.

- Cooking the yogurt before adding it to the zucchinis helps prevent curdling and ensures a smooth and creamy sauce.

- Garnish the dish with fried pine nuts for added crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Kousa mihshi bil laban can be served as a main dish with a side of rice or bread. It pairs well with a fresh salad or pickled vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling: Boil the zucchinis in water before stuffing them to soften them and ensure they cook evenly.

- Baking: Bake the stuffed zucchinis in the oven for a crispy and golden brown finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground meat: You can use ground chicken, turkey, or lamb instead of beef for the filling.

- Rice: Substitute rice with quinoa or bulgur for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling and stuff the zucchinis ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook. This dish also freezes well, so you can make a large batch and freeze individual portions for later.

Presentation Ideas

Serve kousa mihshi bil laban on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation. You can also sprinkle fried pine nuts on top for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Kousa mihshi bil laban pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad, tabbouleh, or hummus. Serve with a side of pita bread or rice for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of kousa mihshi bil laban contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of kousa mihshi bil laban contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of kousa mihshi bil laban contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of kousa mihshi bil laban contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Kousa mihshi bil laban is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and nuts (pine nuts), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Kousa mihshi bil laban is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Kousa mihshi bil laban is a delicious and comforting Middle Eastern dish made with zucchinis stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, cooked in a creamy yogurt sauce. This dish is nutritious, balanced, and perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Fatima's house. She had just come back from a trip to Lebanon and was eager to show me the recipe for Kousa mihshi bil laban that she had learned from her grandmother.

As Fatima began to gather the ingredients, I watched in awe as she expertly chopped the zucchinis, scooped out the seeds, and filled them with a mixture of rice, ground lamb, pine nuts, and spices. The stuffed zucchinis were then placed in a pot and covered with a creamy yogurt sauce before being cooked to perfection.

The aroma that filled Fatima's kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the tender zucchini filled with fragrant rice and savory lamb. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

From that moment on, I was determined to learn how to make Kousa mihshi bil laban myself. I asked Fatima for her grandmother's recipe, and she graciously agreed to teach me how to make it.

Over the next few weeks, Fatima and I spent countless hours in the kitchen together, perfecting the recipe for Kousa mihshi bil laban. We experimented with different spices, cooking techniques, and yogurt sauces until we had created a dish that was truly unforgettable.

As I learned to make Kousa mihshi bil laban, I couldn't help but think about all of the other recipes that I had collected over the years. Each one had a story behind it, a memory attached to it that made it special.

I remembered the first time I had tasted my grandmother's apple pie, with its flaky crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced filling. I remembered the summer picnics with my family, where my mother would pack a basket full of fried chicken, potato salad, and homemade lemonade.

Each recipe was a piece of my past, a connection to my heritage and the loved ones who had shared it with me. And now, as I learned to make Kousa mihshi bil laban, I knew that it would become a part of my culinary repertoire, a dish that I would pass down to future generations.

As I write this story, I can't help but smile at the thought of my grandchildren sitting around the dinner table, enjoying a steaming plate of Kousa mihshi bil laban that I had made for them. I can only hope that they will appreciate the time and effort that went into perfecting the recipe, and that they will carry on the tradition of cooking and sharing delicious meals with their own loved ones.

So here it is, the recipe for Kousa mihshi bil laban that I learned from my dear friend Fatima. I hope that you will enjoy making it as much as I did, and that it will become a cherished part of your family's culinary history for generations to come. Bon appétit!