Kousa mahshi

Soft, tender grey squash stuffed with a filling of rice, diced tomatoes and spices is a perfect dish for a vegan choice. It is a complete healthy meal that satisfies a hungry mouth and stomach.

Lebanese stuffed zucchini cooked in a tomato sauce

The word mahshi in Arabic means “stuffed” so kousa mahshi would mean stuffed zucchini. Arabs in general and especially Palestinians love to stuff anything from meats to vegetables. We even stuff our meats with stuffed vegetables ;). Stuffed vegetables are definitely one of my favorites. From zucchini, to eggplants, carrots, onions, cabbage, grape leaves, potatoes, tomatoes and even cucumbers can be stuffed. We use a special tool called “makwara” to hallow the veggies out. But make no mistake…

Learn how to make a traditional Middle Eastern stuffed zucchini in yogurt. This Kousa Mahshi Bil Laban recipe is packed with flavors and easy to make

For a little variety, replace ground beef with lamb, turkey or pork. Serve with plain yoghurt, rice and unleavened bread.

Lebanese kousa mahshi is a recipe that takes me right back home. Minced meat rice stuffed zucchinis are cooked in a gorgeous tomato broth.

Kousa Mahchi- Beef stuffed squash in a tomato sauce broth.

Learn more about how to make this dish in my video, here! Lebanese koosa is a light green version of zucchini, or summer squash. Hollow the koosa out using a koosa corer (or, if you don't have the Lebanese tool, a zucchini corer will work). The recipe is very easily halved or doubled. This recipe is vegetarian, vegan (leave off the labneh), gluten-free, and tastes just as wonderful as a meat-lover's koosa!

Stuffed with lamb and rice, these baby marrows are simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce spiced with sumac

I've designed a healthy Ramadan menu for iftar meals week 1. Five course meal, that cover all food groups, and very healthy, enjoy!