Kousa mahshi, Lebanese stuffed zucchini, is spiced minced meat and rice stuffed into small zucchini squash, then simmered in a tomato sauce.
Kousa mahshi is made with light green squash, kousa, sometimes called courgettes, calabaza squash or Mexican squash. Baby zucchini and zucchini are not appropriate substitutes.
Wash and core the zucchini. Rinse and drain the rice.
Add the minced meat to the rice. Add the spices.
Add melted butter or ghee.
Mix the minced meat and rice stuffing together really well.
Stuff the cored zucchini with the minced meat and rice stuffing.
Don't pack the stuffing in too tightly because the rice will expand when it's cooking.
Stop stuffing the kousa at about 3/4 of the way full.
Add a small tomato chunk to seal the opening of the kousa mahshi.
Prepare the tomato broth by mixing tomato paste, water, salt, and two bay leaves. Add the stuffed kousa and simmer for about 35 to 40 minutes.
Remove the kousa mahshi from the stovetop once the rice is tender.