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Stuffed Zucchini; in yogurt sauce

September 10, 2019 by Amira 21 Comments

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Cored and stuffed zucchini, filled with herbal spiced rice mixtures and cooked in a garlicky yogurt sauce. A new way to serve zucchini for the whole family to enjoy.

First Published: May 2017 Last Updated: September 2019
A red bowl with stuffed zucchini in yogurt sauce with a pan filled with zucchini in the back.

Stuffed Zucchini

It is hard to please my kids when it come to zucchini. Stuffed Zucchini is one of the recipes that they can eat and in fact enjoy.
I have mastered the art of stuffed zucchini as I’ve had it many times in my life. Whether it is vegetarian stuffed zucchini or ground beef stuffed.
Kusa bel laban, or stuffed zucchini in yogurt sauce, is a delicious classic Lebanese recipe that I consider a variation to the traditional Mahshi, but oh so good. I’ve always had mahshi cooked in tomato sauce. This was my first time having it swimming in a poodle of delicious garlicky yogurt sauce.

In Egypt -and I believe all Middle Eastern countries, you can find zucchini cored and cleaned wrapped neatly in packages and ready to be stuffed, aren’t women pampered there?!!. Anyways, it is not that hard to core zucchini but it will definitely make life easier if these packages were available here.
The key to all Mahshi kinds, or as my mama told me, is a lot of fresh herbs. Parsley, cilantro, dill and mint. Here it is not easy to find the kind of fresh mint that I like, so I use dried mint. Fresh herbs usually have more flavor than dried ones. If you cannot find fresh herbs at least use fresh parsley and cilantro.

Can I freeze stuffed zucchini?

I’ve tried several times to freeze cooked zucchini but it did not work. When the zucchini thaw, they become mushy and many times stringy as well. So I do not recommend freezing it at all.

Are big zucchini good eating?

My mom taught me that small zucchinis are always the best. I admit it is hard to core small zucchini so I aim for medium size zucchinis, say something like 10-12 cm.

How do you make stuffed zucchini?

This recipe starts with making the stuffing first. Rice is mixed with onion, loads of fresh herbs and spices. I’ve added ground meat to the rice as this is how the Lebanese recipe goes, but you can omit depending on your preference. Then zucchinis are partially cooked in water then finish cooking in a garlicky yogurt sauce.
So let’s see how to make this with step by step pictures.

Step by step guide to how to make stuffed zucchini.
  1. Saute onion in oil then add rice, tomato paste and spices. Stir to combine for a couple of minutes.
  2. Add minced beef, if using, fresh herbs and stir very well, turn off the heat.
  3. Core zucchini and peel if you would like to. Now stuff the zucchini with the mixture, do not stuff till the top as rice will cook and expand.
  4. Arrange the stuffed zucchini to a pot, add water and cook the zucchini for almost 20-30 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile make the yogurt sauce and drop the partially cooked zucchini in the yogurt sauce and continue cooking until completely done.

Serve warm with your favorite meat or for a meatless or vegetarian version you can omit the ground meat and use mushrooms instead.I do not usually add ground meat to Mahshi, but I’ve learned that authentically in Lebanon they do that, so I followed their tracks.

I hope you’ll like this recipe and please if you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #amiraspantry — I love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter! Don’t want to miss a recipe?
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Stuffed Zucchini, in yogurt sauce

If you like this recipe do not forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and attach a photo of your finished dish. It is always a pleasure of mine to see your photos and check your own take of the recipe. Thank you.

Kusa bel laban, stuffed zucchini in yogurt sauce

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle East
Keyword: stuffed zucchini
Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 338.2kcal
Author: Amira
A delicious Lebanese stuffed zucchini in a tangy yogurt sauce. 
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 lb zucchini.
  • 1/4 cup oil.
  • 1 large yellow onion , chopped.
  • 2 cups uncooked rice.
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste.
  • 1/2 lb ground beef.
  • 1 cup parsley , chopped.
  • 1 cup cilantro , chopped.
  • 1/2 cup dill weed , chopped.
  • 2 Tablespoon dry mint.
  • Salt and pepper , to taste.

For the sauce:

  • 2 cups yogurt.
  • 1 cup water.
  • 2 large garlic cloves , minced.
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch , dissolved in 2 Tablespoons water.
  • 1 egg , large.
  • salt and pepper.

Instructions

  • Wash, peel(if desired) and core zucchini.
  • In a deep skillet, on medium heat, add oil and sauce onions until fragrant.
  • Add rice and stir for a minute.
  • Add tomato paste, stir. Add the spices , fresh herbs and meat, stir for a couple of minutes to combine then turn off heat. Allow to cool down.
  • Stuff the zucchini with the rice mixture and arrange in a deep pot.*
  • Add seasoned water/broth to the pot to fill it halfway through the zucchini.
  • Bring to boil, reduce heat cover for 20-30 minutes, until it is almost done.
  • In another pot, add all the sauce ingredient and mix well.
  • Transfers the pot to the stove top on medium heat, keep stirring or it will curdle.
  • When it starts to boil, carefully drop the zucchini in the sauce, reduce heat and let it finish cooking about 10 more minutes.
  • Serve warm and Enjoy!!

Video

Notes

To prevent scorch, add some herbs in the bottom of the pot. Or you can add tomato or onion rings.
Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.

Nutrition

Calories: 338.2kcal | Carbohydrates: 38.4g | Protein: 12.8g | Fat: 15.7g | Cholesterol: 50.2mg | Potassium: 998.5mg | Fiber: 4.9g | Sugar: 11.6g | Vitamin A: 71.2IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 20.8mg | Iron: 17.2mg
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Filed Under: recipe, Mediterranean, Ramadan, Rice Tagged With: beef, Lebanese cuisine, Middle Eastern, parsley, rice, yogurt, zucchini

About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

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Faseela
Guest
Faseela

Mine turned bitter… I mean kusa… Y?

Reply
1 month ago
Amira
Author
Amira

Faseela, unfortunately sometimes this is the case with some zucchini varieties like cucumber as well. I find the best way is to peel them, this way most of the bitterness goes away.

Reply
1 month ago
Muhammad
Guest
Muhammad

What is the best way to core the Zucchini?

Reply
2 months ago
Amira
Author
Amira

I’ve heard that this corer here is the best, haven’t got it myself though but my family in Egypt swears by it. You might find it in a Middle Eastern store though so try and let me know.I hope this helps.

Reply
2 months ago
Tonia Mohammed
Guest
Tonia Mohammed

My aunt used to use an old metal nail file lol

Reply
2 months ago
Amira
Author
Amira

Oh my, she is a skilled person 🙂

Reply
2 months ago
Tonia Mohammed
Guest
Tonia Mohammed

I love this kusa recipe! Muhammad, the best way to carve out kusa is to use a corer. Just look on Amazon.

Reply
2 months ago
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I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends. Read More…

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