Stuffed Marrow Squash (Kousa Mahshi)

Recipes

Prep Time

1 Hour, 15 Minutes +15 Minutes for stuffing

Cooking Time

1 Hour, 25 Minutes +7 Minutes for Stuffing

Servings

4-6 People

Ingredients

  • 2 lb (2 kg) marrow squash or small zucchini, hollowed out (see below “Hollowing Out Vegetables to Stuff”)
  • 1 batch Lamb and Rice Stuffing (see recipe below)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed in a mortar and pestle
  • Three tomatoes, peeled and diced (with their juices)
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 chicken or beef-flavored soft bouillon cubes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint
  • 1 lemon, wedged (optional, for serving)
  • Plain yogurt (optional, for serving)
  • Lamb and Rice Stuffing
  • 1 cup (215 g) medium-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 onions, finely diced
  • 1¼ teaspoons salt
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed in a mortar and pestle
  • ¾ teaspoon Syrian Spice Mix
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ lb (250 g) ground lamb or beef
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

  • Prepare the Lamb and Rice Stuffing.
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