Abu shalhoub (Bulgur and Zucchini with beef)

Ingredients

3 cups green zucchini, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup bulgur, medium grain

1 1/2 cup water

1 cup cilantro, chopped

1/2 pound ground beef

1/2 teaspoon 7 spice, or allspice

1/2 teaspoon salt

lemon juice, fresh, as topping

Instructions

1- In a medium or large pot, over medium-high heat, add olive oil and zucchini. Saute for about 15 min until zucchini is soft and golden.

2- Add bulgur on top of zucchini and then top with water, just enough to cover the ingredients, that should be about 1 1/2 cups. Add salt.

3- Once it begins to simmer, cover the pot and bring the heat to low and cook about 20 min.

4- While the bulgur is cooking, make the beef. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and sprinkle it with 7 spice or allspice and break it apart with your spoon or spatula until it is golden brown, about 5 min. (I don’t use oil because the fat from the meat is usually enough, but if you would like, add a little oil to cook).

5- Remove the meat and set aside. In the same skillet, use the leftover liquid from the meat, if that’s not enough, add a teaspoon of olive oil and the garlic. Saute on medium-low heat for about 2-3 min until they begin to turn golden.

6- Add cilantro and saute for about 1-2 min. You don’t want to overcook the cilantro. It should still be a brighter shade of green and not completely browned.

7- You can now fluff and stir the bulgur. Add some of the ground beef and save part for extra toppings or add it all in along with cilantro garlic mixture and stir it up. Top with lemon juice and enjoy!

Lara Kh.