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Lebanese Kousa bi Laban (Stuffed Zucchini in Yogurt Sauce)

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Delicate zucchini stuffed with a savory rice and meat mixture, simmered and served in a tangy yogurt-garlic sauce—an elegant and comforting Lebanese classic.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8–10 small zucchini (kousa), hollowed
  • 1/2 lb ground lamb or beef
  • 1/2 cup long-grain rice, soaked and drained
  • 1 small onion, very finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint or parsley
  • 2 cups plain yogurt (whole milk or Greek-style)
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed (for sauce)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
  • 1–1.5 cups water or broth
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Hollow zucchini using a corer, creating 2–3 inch tubes. Reserve flesh for another use if desired.
  2. In a bowl, mix ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, tomato paste, allspice, salt, pepper, herbs, and a splash of olive oil.
  3. Stuff zucchini, stopping 1/4 inch from the top to allow for rice expansion.
  4. Place stuffed zucchini upright or snugly in a large pot.
  5. Pour in water or broth to halfway up the zucchini. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 30–40 minutes until tender.
  6. Whisk yogurt with garlic, optional cornstarch, salt, and lemon juice. Temper with a few spoonfuls of hot cooking liquid.
  7. Warm yogurt sauce gently over low heat until slightly thickened (do not boil).
  8. Arrange zucchini on a platter, spoon sauce over, and garnish with chopped herbs. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Don’t overstuff zucchini to avoid rice spilling out.
  • For vegetarian version, omit meat and use herbed rice mix.
  • Use coconut or cashew yogurt for a dairy-free version.
  • Great served warm or chilled; perfect for mezze spreads.
  • Pairs well with Arabic salad, flatbread, or baba ganoush.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastyera.com/lebanese-kousa-bi-laban-stuffed-zucchini-in-yogurt-sauce/