Koosa is a Lebanese stuffed summer squash dish simmered in a delicious tomato sauce. This dish is incredibly filling and family friendly. Little to no oil or butter is used in this recipe. While this dish is traditionally made with ground beef or lamb, it can easily be made vegan by omitting the meat.
Koosa
Yield: 5 people
Materials
- 12 medium zucchini
- 1 pound lean lamb or beef coarsely ground
- 1 cup long grain rice washed and drained
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp allspice
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 can tomatoes (24 oz)
- 1 tbsp dried or fresh mint
- 2 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Wash and cut stems from zucchini. Carefully scoop seeds from centre using a spoon or special corer, leaving a thin shell.
- Rinse shells and soak in cold, salted water for a 1/2 hour.
- Mix together meat, rice, 1 tsp salt, pepper, cinnamon, allspice and melted butter together.
- Stuff loosely with meat mixture to 1/2" from top of shell to allow for expansion of rice.
- Place stuffed shells in a deep pot. Add tomatoes, water, salt, garlic and mint. Add water to completely cover shells.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 40-50 minutes.
