Tender hollowed zucchini filled with a fragrant mixture of spiced rice and lamb, simmered in a tangy tomato broth until meltingly soft. This beloved Jordanian home-cooking staple rewards patience with deep, comforting flavor.
Nutrition & Info
Equipment Needed
Presentation Guide
Vessel: deep serving bowl with broth
Garnishes: fresh mint, lemon wedges
Accompaniments: plain yogurt, vermicelli rice
Instructions
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1
Wash zucchini and cut off stem ends. Using a zucchini corer, carefully hollow out each zucchini leaving a thin shell, being careful not to pierce through the bottom.
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2
Mix ground lamb with rinsed rice, diced tomatoes, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, half the garlic, salt, and pepper. Fill each zucchini about three-quarters full to allow rice expansion.
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3
Arrange stuffed zucchini snugly in a deep pot, layering them horizontally. Place a heavy plate on top to keep them submerged during cooking.
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4
Mix tomato paste with water, lemon juice, remaining garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Pour this broth over the zucchini until just covered.
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5
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes until zucchini is very tender and rice inside is fully cooked.
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6
Carefully transfer zucchini to a serving bowl, ladle the tangy tomato broth over them, and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve with yogurt on the side.
Did You Know?
Jordanian grandmothers judge a cook by how thin she can core a zucchini without breaking it — the thinner the wall, the greater the skill.
Chef's Notes
Equipment Tips
- zucchini corer
- large deep pot
- mixing bowl
Garnishing
fresh mint, lemon wedges
Accompaniments
plain yogurt, vermicelli rice
The Story Behind Kousa Mahshi
Kousa mahshi is a cornerstone of Jordanian home cooking inherited from Ottoman culinary traditions. The art of stuffing vegetables spread across the entire former Ottoman Empire, but Jordanian cooks developed their own distinctive style using local short zucchini and a lemon-forward tomato broth. Making mahshi is traditionally a communal activity where women gather to core and stuff dozens of zucchini, turning meal preparation into a social event that strengthens family bonds across generations.
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