Vegetarian Kousa Mahshi (Stuffed Zucchini)

Olivia

No ratings yet

Kousa mahshi is a traditional Middle Eastern dish of zucchini stuffed with rice and herbs, simmered in a light tomato sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 5

Servings: 4 -6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 287

Ingredients Equipment Cooking Instructions Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

8 small zucchini light green preferred if available
Water for soaking
1 cup short-grain rice rinsed
1 small onion finely diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill or mint chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups crushed tomatoes
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt to taste

Equipment

Quiche Baking Dish

$24.99

Buy Now

02/02/2026 04:01 pm GMT

Round baking Pan

Cooking Instructions

Trim ends and hollow zucchini carefully using a corer or small spoon.
Rinse and set aside.
In a bowl, mix rice, onion, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Fill each zucchini about ¾ full (rice expands while cooking). Do not pack tightly.
Place stuffed zucchini snugly in a baking dish.
Mix tomato broth ingredients and pour over zucchini until just covered.
Pre heat oven 375f
Cover and bake 45-50 minutes, until rice is tender and zucchini are soft.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with extra broth spooned over the top.

Nutrition

Calories: 287kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 6gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 196mgPotassium: 554mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 637IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Extra richness: drizzle olive oil before serving

Grow-it-yourself: zucchini is one of the easiest home-grown vegetables

Make ahead: tastes even better the next day

Serve with: salad, yogurt or plant-based yogurt, or fresh bread

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!