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Savory Stuffed Zucchini in Tomato Sauce: A Palestinian Delight

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time30 minsCook Time1 hrTotal Time1 hr 30 mins

Delightful zucchini filled with a savory rice and meat mixture, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Best served warm. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.

A vibrant dish of stuffed zucchini swimming in a luscious tomato sauce, garnished with fresh herbs.

For the Filling
 500 g ground beef
 1 cup long-grain rice
 1 onion, finely chopped
 2 garlic, minced
 1 tsp cinnamon powder
 1 tsp allspice
 1 tsp salt
 ½ tsp black pepper
 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Zucchini and Sauce
 6 zucchini (kousa)
 4 tomato sauce
 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
 1 tbsp lemon juice
 1 tsp sugar
Preparation
1

Start by preparing the zucchini. Cut off the tops and carefully hollow out the insides using a small spoon or a corer, leaving a thin wall to hold the filling. Set aside.

2

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3

Stuff each hollowed zucchini with the meat and rice mixture, packing it gently but firmly. Leave a little space at the top, as the rice will expand during cooking.

Cooking
4

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato sauce, lemon juice, and sugar, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

5

Carefully place the stuffed zucchinis upright in the simmering sauce. Cover the pot and let them cook on low heat for about 45-60 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the rice is fully cooked.

6

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

Best served warm. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

1 stuffed zucchini


Amount per serving
Calories250
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g16%

Saturated Fat 4g20%
Trans Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 50mg17%
Sodium 600mg27%
Total Carbohydrate 25g10%

Dietary Fiber 3g11%
Total Sugars 5g
Includes 1g Added Sugars2%
Protein 15g

Vitamin A 200mcg23%
Vitamin C 15mg17%
Calcium 40mg4%
Iron 2mg12%
Potassium 600mg13%
Vitamin D 0mcg0%
Vitamin E 1mg7%
Vitamin K 5mcg5%
Thiamin 0.2mg17%
Riboflavin 0.1mg8%
Niacin 3mg19%
Vitamin B6 0.3mg18%
Folate 20mcg5%
Vitamin B12 2mg84%
Biotin 0mcg0%
Pantothenic Acid 0.5mg10%
Phosphorus 150mg12%
Iodine 0mcg0%
Magnesium 25mg6%
Zinc 3mg28%
Selenium 10mcg19%
Copper 0.2mg23%
Manganese 0.5mg22%
Chromium 0mcg0%
Molybdenum 0mcg0%
Chloride 0mg0%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.