Koosa mahshi (Stuffed zucchini)

Koosa mahshi is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that consists of hollowed-out zucchini stuffed with aromatic ground meat and cooked in a tomato-based sauce. It's a comfort dish cherished by all generations and Rayan shares his immigrant story and connects this dish to the rich heritage of his Syrian roots.

Credit: Juzzy Kane

• serves

  5-6

• prep

  45 minutes

• cook

  1:20 hour

• difficulty

  Mid

Stream free On Demand

Rayan's Koosa Mahshi

episode • Bring A Plate • 

cooking • 

5m

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episode • Bring A Plate • 

cooking • 

5m

G

Ingredients

• 2 kg light green zucchini
• 2 tbsp salt
• 4 tbsp tomato paste
• 8 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 handful dried mint

Stuffing

• 500 g beef mince
• 440 g (2 cups) short-grain rice, well rinsed
• 60 g (¼ cup) butter, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp mixed spice

Standing time: 15 min

Instructions

1. To prepare the stuffing, place all the ingredients in a large bowl and use your hands to combine well. Set aside.
   
2. Place 1.25 litres water in a saucepan large enough to fit all the stuffed zucchini. Add the salt and tomato paste and simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes. Add the stuffed zucchini, cover the pan and simmer gently for 30 minutes. Add the crushed garlic and dried mint, cover the pan and simmer for another 10 minutes.
   
3. Remove from the heat and stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Photography by Juzzy Kane @juzzykane. Styling by Nidhi Sampat @coco_and_chili.

Cook's Notes

Oven temperatures are for conventional; if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C. | We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon equals 5 ml; 1 tablespoon equals 20 ml; 1 cup equals 250 ml. | All herbs are fresh (unless specified) and cups are lightly packed. | All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified. | All eggs are 55-60 g, unless specified.

Stream free On Demand

Rayan's Koosa Mahshi

episode • Bring A Plate • 

cooking • 

5m

G

episode • Bring A Plate • 

cooking • 

5m

G