Kousa Mihshi bi Laban, also known as Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini with Yogurt Sauce, is a delectable and iconic dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. This culinary gem features tender zucchini boats filled with a savory mixture of seasoned rice, minced meat, aromatic herbs, and spices, all lovingly nestled in a creamy and tangy yogurt sauce. A burst of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil complete this symphony of flavors, transforming each bite into a delightful journey. Our collection of recipes offers variations of this classic dish, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone can savor the magic of Kousa Mihshi bi Laban. Whether you prefer a traditional meat-based filling or a vegetarian delight, our recipes provide step-by-step guidance to recreate this masterpiece in your own kitchen. Indulge in the richness of Kousa Mihshi bi Laban and transport your taste buds to the heart of the Middle East.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
KOUSA MIHSHI BI LABAN (STUFFED ZUCCHINI WITH YOGURT)
A delicious dish modified from the Complete Middle East Cookbook by Tess Mallos, Lebanon/Syria/Jordan section.
Provided by UmmBinat
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h35m
Yield 4-5 , 4-5 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Choose either medium or small zucchini. Wash well cut of stem end. Using a corer hollow out zucchini leaving rounded end intact. (I actually use the wrong end of a small spoon and it works for me) Try not to puncture the skin. Soak in salted water for 10 minutes.
- Gently fry onion in butter until transparent. Add pine nuts after 10 minutes cook with onions for another 10 minutes, stir occasionally.
- Add pan contents to ground meat, rice parsley, spice and about a teaspoon of salt, pepper and canola oil if meat is lean.
- Fill zucchini with stuffing. (The rice expands and the meat will shrink so fill them all the way).
- Arrange zucchini in layers in a large pot, sprinkling each layer lightly with sea salt. Add water and invert a plate on top of the zucchini and bring to a slow simmer, cover and simmer gently for 1 hour or until tender.
- Meanwhile heat the stabilized yogurt. When it begins to simmer/boil, add garlic and boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- When zucchinis are cooked, remove plate and pour garlic yogurt mixture over them and leave over medium heat for 10 minutes to boil gently. Cook uncovered until sauce is thick.
- Crush the dried mint to a coarse powder and sprinkle on top. Leave off the heat for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed rice.
- Enjoy!
KOUSA BIL LABAN- STUFFED ZUCCHINI WITH YOGURT SAUCE
Kousa bil laban or stuffed zucchini with yogurt sauce is Lebanese comfort food at its best.
Provided by Rose- The Salt and Sweet Kitchen
Categories Entrées
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Wash and dry the zucchinis, cut off the stalks and slice off the dried tips at the opposite end without removing too much skin.
- Carefully hollow out the zucchini. Start from the stalk end by inserting your corer about 3/4 of the way into the zucchini, making sure not to poke the bottoms or the tender skin of the zucchinis as you hollow. Twist the corer and pull out the zucchini flesh. Do this a few times, until you have a generous cavity. Some have found success using an apple corer to hollow out their zucchinis, I personally prefer the old fashioned way using a regular corer. You can also use an electric veggie corer drill.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the the cored zucchinis and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until zucchinis are cooked through.
- Transfer to a colander to drain and cool down. Save about 2 cups of the zucchini broth, to use later when making the yogurt sauce.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and add the chopped onions and salt- cook until wilted stirring frequently (around 10 mins).
- Add ground beef and spices and mix with the cooked onion- constantly stir to break up the clumps of meat. Cook for about 10 minutes or until meat is cooked through.
- In a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, begin to warm the yogurt.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch with the reserved zucchini broth, add crushed garlic and salt. Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the warmed yogurt. Whisking constantly to avoid the yogurt sauce from curdling. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low.
- Add the the stuffed zucchinis into the yogurt sauce and simmer for about 20 minutes.
LEBANESE STUFFED ZUCCHINI (KOUSSA BI LABAN)
Make and share this Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini (Koussa Bi Laban) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Engineer in the Kit
Categories Rice
Time 2h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Wash zucchini, cut off stem and hollow them with an apple corer. If they are longer than 5 inches, cut them in half before you hollow.
- Mix all ingredients of filling. Stuff zucchini.
- Put in a pot with water, and 1/2 the quantity of cooked yogurt. Cook over medium heat for 30 minutes.
- Add zucchini to boiling yogurt, cook over medium heat for 10 minutes. Add crushed garlic with dried mint to mixture. Boil for another 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 267.6, Fat 9.9, SaturatedFat 4.7, Cholesterol 40.6, Sodium 96.9, Carbohydrate 30.8, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 8, Protein 14.7
Tips:
- Choose small to medium-sized zucchini: They will be easier to stuff and cook evenly.
- Trim the zucchini ends: This will help them stand upright and make them easier to fill.
- Scoop out the zucchini flesh carefully: Be careful not to puncture the zucchini skin.
- Season the zucchini flesh: This will add flavor to the filling.
- Use a variety of fillings: This will make your kousa mihshi more interesting and flavorful.
- Cook the kousa mihshi in a flavorful broth: This will help keep them moist and flavorful.
- Serve the kousa mihshi with a yogurt sauce: This will add a cooling and tangy flavor to the dish.
Conclusion:
Kousa mihshi bi laban is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It is a great way to use up leftover zucchini and it is also a good source of vegetables. The yogurt sauce adds a cooling and tangy flavor to the dish, making it a perfect meal for a hot summer day.
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