Stuffed Zucchini with Spiced Lamb and Tomato Sauce
LebaneseLunch

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

This traditional stuffed zucchini dish, known as Kousa Mahshi, features hollowed zucchini filled with a savory mixture of ground lamb, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. The stuffed vegetables are then gently simmered in a tangy tomato sauce infused with garlic and mint, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This one-pot wonder showcases the essence of home-style cooking with its tender vegetables, richly spiced filling, and vibrant sauce. The dish is traditionally served with a side of yogurt and warm flatbread, making it a complete and satisfying meal that brings comfort and warmth to any table. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that represent the heart of authentic home cooking.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. Wash zucchini and trim the ends. Using a zucchini corer or small spoon, carefully hollow out the center of each zucchini, leaving about 1/4-inch thick walls. Reserve the flesh for another use.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, salt, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

  3. Stuff each hollowed zucchini with the lamb mixture, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for expansion during cooking.

  4. In a large Dutch oven or wide pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

  5. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, salt, and a pinch of sugar to the pot. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

  6. Carefully arrange the stuffed zucchini in the pot in a single layer if possible, or stack them gently. Spoon some sauce over the zucchini.

  7. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the zucchini are tender and the filling is cooked through. Occasionally baste the zucchini with the sauce.

  8. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if desired.

  9. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.

Stuffed Zucchini with Spiced Lamb and Tomato Sauce

4.8 (30)

Tender zucchini boats filled with aromatic spiced lamb and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, creating a comforting and flavorful Middle Eastern classic perfect for family gatherings.

medium
1h 15m
6 servings

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

  • 8 pieces zucchini, hollowed out
  • 500 grams lamb, ground

Sauce

  • 2 cups tomato-sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato-paste

Seasonings

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive-oil
  • 1 teaspoons cumin, ground
  • 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, ground

Chef Tips

expert advice
For the best results, choose medium-sized zucchini that are uniform in size for even cooking.
If you cannot find a zucchini corer, an apple corer or small spoon works well.
You can substitute ground beef for lamb if preferred, or use a combination of both.
Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce before serving brightens the flavors.
For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mixture of cooked bulgur, chickpeas, and extra vegetables.
The reserved zucchini flesh can be sautéed with onions and served as a side dish.
If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a bit more water.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.