Kousa Mahshi (Stuffed Zucchini)

Klargøring

Ingredienser

Fremgangsmåde

Trin for trin

1. 1

   Prepare the zucchini by washing them thoroughly. Using a zucchini corer or a sturdy vegetable peeler, carefully hollow out the center of each zucchini, leaving about a 1/4-inch shell. Reserve the zucchini pulp for another use if desired.

   Ca. 15 min.

   Kokkens note: Be careful not to pierce through the zucchini walls.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, short grain rice, tomato paste, dried mint, allspice, black pepper, and salt for the filling. Add the water and mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.

   Ca. 10 min.

   Kokkens note: Mixing by hand ensures all ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. 3

   Carefully stuff each hollowed zucchini with the filling mixture. Do not overfill; leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top as the rice will expand during cooking.

   Ca. 15 min.

   Kokkens note: Use a spoon or your fingers to gently push the filling into the zucchini.

4. 4

   In a large pot or Dutch oven, arrange the stuffed zucchini snugly in a single layer if possible. If you have more zucchini than can fit in one layer, you can stack them carefully.

   Ca. 5 min.

   Kokkens note: Arranging them tightly helps prevent them from floating during cooking.

5. 5

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the canned crushed tomatoes, water, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried mint, and salt for the broth. Pour this broth over the stuffed zucchini in the pot.

   Ca. 3 min.

6. 6

   Place a heat-proof plate or a smaller lid directly on top of the zucchini to keep them submerged in the liquid. Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat.

   Ca. 5 min.

7. 7

   Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 60 minutes, or until the zucchini are tender and the rice is fully cooked.

   Ca. 1 t.

   Kokkens note: Check for doneness by piercing a zucchini with a fork; it should be very tender.

8. 8

   Remove from heat and let the Kousa Mahshi rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle.

   Ca. 10 min.