🇱🇧 Lebanon · Food
Kousa bil Laban
By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
🇱🇧 LBAI-generated imageA comforting Lebanese staple where hollowed-out zucchini are stuffed with a spiced mixture of rice and lamb, then poached in a velvety garlic-infused yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Hollow out the zucchini carefully using a corer, making sure not to pierce the outer skins.
- 2
Mix the minced lamb, rinsed rice, half the garlic, and seven spice in a bowl to create the stuffing.
- 3
Fill each zucchini with the mixture, leaving space at the top as the rice will expand.
- 4
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and poach the zucchini for 20 minutes until tender.
- 5
While poaching, whisk the yogurt with a pinch of salt until smooth and heat gently in a separate pot.
- 6
Add the remaining garlic and dried mint to the yogurt sauce, warming it until it starts to steam.
- 7
Transfer the cooked zucchini into the yogurt sauce and simmer together for 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
- 8
Serve immediately in bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of the creamy yogurt sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kousa bil Laban?+
Kousa bil Laban is a Lebanese dish consisting of zucchini stuffed with a mixture of minced lamb and rice, simmered in a warm yogurt and garlic sauce. It is traditionally served as a main course, often accompanied by vermicelli rice.
Can I use ground beef?+
Yes, ground beef is a common substitution for lamb in this recipe.
How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling?+
Keep the heat low and whisk the yogurt constantly; adding a teaspoon of cornstarch can also help stabilize it.
Can I make this vegetarian?+
Absolutely; replace the lamb with more rice, chickpeas, or chopped walnuts for a hearty vegetarian version.
What do I do with the inside of the zucchini?+
Do not discard it! You can sauté it with olive oil and garlic for a quick side dish or mix it into omelets.
🇱🇧 LBAI-generated imageMundo Match
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