This lamb stuffed zucchini recipe is a delightful combination of tender zucchini and savory ground lamb, all cooked in a rich tomato sauce. It's a perfect dish for dinner parties or a special family meal.
You may need to visit the supermarket for a few key ingredients that aren't commonly found in every kitchen. Ground lamb, basmati rice, and dried mint are essential for this recipe. Make sure to get tomato paste and cinnamon as well for the sauce.
Ingredients For Lamb Stuffed Zucchini Recipe
Zucchini: A vegetable that serves as the vessel for the stuffing.
Tomatoes with juice: Forms the base of the tomato sauce.
Tomato paste: Adds thickness and richness to the sauce.
Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic spice to the sauce.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the stuffing.
Ground lamb: The primary protein component of the stuffing.
Basmati rice: Adds texture and substance to the stuffing.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness.
Dried mint: Adds a refreshing, herbal note to the stuffing.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
One reader, Abra Shivers says:
This lamb stuffed zucchini recipe is a delightful blend of flavors. The tender zucchini pairs perfectly with the savory lamb and aromatic spices. The tomato sauce adds a rich, comforting touch. It's a hearty, satisfying dish that's sure to impress.
Techniques Required for Making Lamb Stuffed Zucchini
How to hollow out zucchini: Use a thin, sharp knife to carefully remove the seeds and create a hollow space, leaving around a ½-inch shell. How to simmer sauce: Combine ingredients in a pot and cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens, usually about 20 minutes. How to cook onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add onions, and cook until they are tender, about 5 minutes. How to stuff zucchini: Mix the stuffing ingredients well and gently fill the hollowed-out zucchini sections with the mixture. How to cook stuffed zucchini: Place the stuffed zucchini in the simmering tomato sauce, cover the pot, and cook for about 1 hour until the rice is soft.
How To Make Lamb Stuffed Zucchini (Koosa)
This stuffed zucchini or koosa is filled with herby basmati rice and ground lamb, then simmered in rich tomato sauce for a flavorful Middle-Eastern dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2large zucchini
For Sauce:
- 28oztomatoes with juice,(1 can), chopped
- 2tbsptomato paste
- ¾cupwater
- ¼tspground cinnamon
For Stuffing:
- ½cuponion,chopped
- 1lbground lamb
- ¾cupbasmati rice
- 2tbspolive oil,plus 1 tbsp for cooking
- ½cupwater
- 2tbspdried mint
- 2tspsalt
Instructions
-
Cut each zucchini in half and use a thin, sharp knife to hollow out each section, removing the seeds and leaving around ½-inch shell.
Sauce:
-
Combine the tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, water, and cinnamon in a large, oven-safe Dutch oven.
-
Bring to a simmer over medium heat; cook for about 20 minutes until thick
Stuffing:
-
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet. Stir in the onion, then cook for about 5 minutes until tender.
-
Combine the cooked onion, lamb, rice, remaining olive oil, water, dried mint, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.
-
Lightly stuff the lamb mixture into the hollowed-out zucchini sections. Place the stuffed zucchini in the simmering tomato sauce.
-
Cover the pot, then cook for about 1 hour until the rice is soft. If the sauce is very thin, simmer on the stove top until desired consistency is reached.
-
To serve, slice into 1-inch rounds and top with tomato sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 586.48kcal
- Fat: 34.55g
- Saturated Fat: 12.77g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15.97g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.22g
- Carbohydrates: 44.40g
- Fiber: 5.44g
- Sugar: 11.12g
- Protein: 25.68g
- Cholesterol: 82.78mg
- Sodium: 1324.09mg
- Calcium: 97.56mg
- Potassium: 1310.19mg
- Iron: 5.43mg
- Vitamin A: 109.83µg
- Vitamin C: 59.33mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Preparing Stuffed Zucchini
When hollowing out the zucchini, use a melon baller or a small spoon to make the process easier and more precise. This will help ensure that you don't accidentally pierce the shell and that you have an even cavity for the stuffing.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prepare the filling: Cook the onion and mix the lamb stuffing while the tomato sauce simmers to save time.
Uniform shape: Cut the zucchini evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Pre-soak the rice: Soak the basmati rice for 20 minutes before mixing to reduce cooking time.
Use a melon baller: Hollow out the zucchini quickly and efficiently with a melon baller.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Substitute Ingredients For Lamb Stuffed Zucchini (Koosa) Recipe
zucchini - Substitute with eggplant: Eggplant has a similar texture and can be hollowed out to hold the stuffing just like zucchini.
tomatoes with juice - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar consistency and flavor profile.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can add a similar thickness and sweetness to the sauce.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with allspice: Allspice has a similar warm, sweet flavor that complements the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that can enhance the stuffing.
ground lamb - Substitute with ground beef: Ground beef has a similar texture and can absorb the same spices and flavors.
basmati rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa provides a similar texture and is a good alternative for those avoiding rice.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking.
dried mint - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano offers a different but complementary herbal note to the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
Best Way to Present Lamb Stuffed Zucchini
Use elegant plating: Arrange the stuffed zucchini slices in a circular pattern on a large, white plate to create a visually appealing presentation. Ensure each slice is uniform in size for a professional look.
Highlight the sauce: Spoon a generous amount of the tomato sauce over the stuffed zucchini slices, allowing some to pool around the base. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal with a vibrant color contrast.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh mint or parsley over the dish to add a pop of green color and a hint of freshness that complements the lamb and tomato sauce.
Add texture with a crispy element: Top each stuffed zucchini slice with a small piece of crispy fried onion or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to introduce a contrasting texture and elevate the dish.
Serve with a side of aromatic rice: Plate a small mound of basmati rice next to the stuffed zucchini slices. The rice can be lightly seasoned with a touch of saffron or turmeric for added color and flavor.
Drizzle with high-quality olive oil: Finish the dish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add a glossy finish and enhance the richness of the flavors.
Use a minimalist approach: Keep the plate clean and uncluttered, focusing on the main elements of the dish. This minimalist approach ensures that the stuffed zucchini and tomato sauce are the stars of the presentation.
Incorporate height: Stack a few slices of stuffed zucchini slightly on top of each other to create height and dimension on the plate, making the dish more dynamic and visually interesting.
Balance colors: Ensure a balance of colors on the plate by using a mix of green from the zucchini, red from the tomato sauce, and any garnishes. This creates a harmonious and appealing presentation.
Serve with a complementary beverage: Pair the dish with a glass of light red wine or a refreshing mint-infused water to complement the flavors and enhance the dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Stuffed Zucchini
Knife: To cut the zucchini in half and hollow out each section.
Cutting board: To provide a stable surface for cutting the zucchini.
Spoon: To help remove the seeds and hollow out the zucchini.
Dutch oven: To cook the tomato sauce and later simmer the stuffed zucchini.
Measuring cups: To measure the water and rice accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure the tomato paste, cinnamon, olive oil, dried mint, and salt.
Small skillet: To cook the onions until tender.
Mixing bowl: To combine the cooked onion, lamb, rice, olive oil, water, dried mint, and salt.
Wooden spoon: To stir the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.
Stove: To heat the skillet and cook the onions, and to simmer the tomato sauce.
Oven: If you prefer to finish cooking the stuffed zucchini in the oven instead of on the stovetop.
Serving platter: To serve the sliced stuffed zucchini rounds topped with tomato sauce.
Storing and Freezing Lamb Stuffed Zucchini
Allow the lamb stuffed zucchini to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled stuffed zucchini in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
If you have leftovers, you can also freeze the lamb stuffed zucchini for longer storage:
- Wrap each stuffed zucchini piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
To reheat frozen lamb stuffed zucchini:
- Thaw the desired number of pieces in the refrigerator overnight.
- Place the thawed stuffed zucchini in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual pieces in the microwave, covered, on high power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
If you have extra tomato sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
How To Reheat Leftover Lamb Stuffed Zucchini
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover lamb stuffed zucchini in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and prevents the zucchini from drying out.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the stuffed zucchini in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the zucchini may become mushy.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the lamb stuffed zucchini in it. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftovers in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. This method will help crisp up the exterior of the zucchini while keeping the filling moist.
For a stovetop method, place the leftover stuffed zucchini in a skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Add a splash of water or tomato sauce to the pan to create steam. Heat over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
If you want to add extra flavor while reheating, sprinkle some fresh herbs like mint or parsley over the lamb stuffed zucchini before heating. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, tangy touch.
Interesting Fact About Lamb Stuffed Zucchini
A random fact about this recipe is that stuffed zucchini is a traditional dish in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. The combination of lamb and rice in the stuffing provides a rich and hearty flavor, while the tomato sauce adds a tangy and savory element to the dish.
Is Making Lamb Stuffed Zucchini at Home Cost-Effective?
When analyzing the cost-effectiveness of this lamb stuffed zucchini recipe, it's important to consider the price of ground lamb, zucchini, and other ingredients like basmati rice and tomato paste. Ground lamb can be pricey, but the use of zucchini and rice helps balance the cost. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $25-$30. Overall, this recipe scores a 7 out of 10 in terms of cost-effectiveness, offering a flavorful and nutritious meal without breaking the bank.
Is This Stuffed Zucchini Recipe Healthy?
The lamb stuffed zucchini recipe is a relatively healthy dish with some room for improvement. The use of zucchini as a vessel for the stuffing provides a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The ground lamb is a good source of protein and iron, but it is also high in saturated fat. The basmati rice adds some complex carbohydrates to the dish, but it is a refined grain and not as nutritious as whole grain options. The tomato-based sauce is a good source of lycopene and other beneficial compounds.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use lean ground lamb or substitute with a leaner protein like ground turkey or chicken
- Replace the white basmati rice with brown basmati rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients
- Increase the amount of zucchini and reduce the amount of meat and rice in the stuffing to lower the calorie density
- Add more vegetables to the stuffing, such as diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms, to increase the nutrient content
- Use a low-sodium tomato sauce or make your own sauce with fresh tomatoes to reduce the sodium content
- Replace some of the olive oil with a lower-fat cooking method, such as sautéing the onions in broth or water
Editor's Opinion on This Lamb Stuffed Zucchini Recipe
This lamb stuffed zucchini recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The tender zucchini pairs beautifully with the savory lamb and aromatic basmati rice, while the tomato sauce enriched with cinnamon adds a subtle warmth. The use of dried mint introduces a refreshing note that balances the richness of the lamb. Cooking the stuffed zucchini in the sauce ensures they absorb all the delicious flavors, resulting in a cohesive and satisfying dish. This recipe is well-structured and promises a comforting, hearty meal that is both visually appealing and delicious.
Enhance Your Lamb Stuffed Zucchini (Koosa) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Lamb Stuffed Zucchini (Koosa) Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of ground lamb and basmati rice with the freshness of zucchini. The tomato sauce infused with cinnamon adds a unique twist, making it a standout dish. Each step is carefully crafted to ensure the perfect balance of textures and tastes. Trust in the quality ingredients and detailed instructions to deliver a delicious and satisfying meal.
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