Homemade Vegetarian Kousa Mahshi aka Stuffed Zucchini
Ingredients:
•12-14 washed and cored lebanese zucchinis
•2 cups washed white medium grain rice
•2 ripe diced tomatoes
•1 bunch washed and finely chopped parsley leaves
•1 cup washed and finely chopped fresh mint (dried is fine)
•140g tomato paste (sprinkle of sugar)
•••the below is divided into two – half for the filling half for the pot•••
•1 large brown chopped onion
•3 tspn salt
•2 tspn black pepper
•2 tspn 7 spices lebanese pepper
•1 tblspn pomegranate molasses
•1/4 cup olive oil
Method:
1. Firstly hollow out the zucchinis gently, wash them and allow them to dry upside down, you can also save the filling for another meal
2. In a large bowl combine the filling which includes the rice, half the onion, parsley, mint and tomatoes. Add the half the spices, molasses and olive oil mix well with your hands
3. Using your hands again stuff the mixture into the zucchinis ensuring they are not filled to the top
4. In a large pot add olive oil and fry the other half of the onion, add the tomato paste with sugar and mix well then add boiling water and stir
5. To the pot, add the stuffed zucchinis and gently stir adding in the rest of the spices (salt, black pepper and 7 spices) bring to boil, close the pot simmer for 30-45min. Enjoy!
Dining and Cooking