Wash the zucchinis and core them.

Rinse the rice and drain. Then, place it in a glass bowl.

Add the minced meat to the rice. Top the rice and minced meat with spices and salt.

Melt the butter and add it to the rice/meat mixture.

Use your hands or a spoon to mix the stuffing ingredients really well.

Start stuffing each cored zucchini (until you reach ¾ to its opening).

Close each piece with a tomato chunk and place it in a large cooking pot.

Once all the stuffed zucchinis are in the pot, add enough water to cover them.

Bring the stuffed zucchinis to a boil for around 10-15 minutes.

Mix the tomato paste with a little bit of water. Add the tomato paste to the pot with 2 bay leaves. Season with salt to taste.

Simmer the kousa mahshi on low to medium heat for about 30-45 minutes.

Remove from heat and serve hot.