Stuffed Zucchinis

Ingredients

• 1  kg baby zucchini, washed

• 250 g coarsely ground beef

• 1 1/2 cups rice, washed and drained

• 2  medium tomatoes, cut in cubes

• 1  teaspoon salt

• 1/2  teaspoon pepper

• 1/2  teaspoon cinnamon

For the sauce:

• 3  cloves garlic, crushed

• 4  tablespoons lemon juice

• 3  cups water

• 2  tablespoons tomato paste, dissolved in 1/2 cup water

• 1  teaspoon dried mint

• 1  teaspoon salt

Cooking method according to shahiya.com            

1-Trim the ends of the zucchini. With a corer, pierce the top and remove the insides, making sure to keep a relatively thick outer layer that can hold the stuffing.

2- To prepare the stuffing: mix the rice, ground beef, spices and tomatoes. Combine well.

3- Fill only ¾ of each zucchini leaving space for the rice to expand when cooked.

4- In a bowl, mix the sauce ingredients together with 3 cups water and pour them over the zucchini.

5- When the water starts boiling, reduce the heat; cover the pan and let it simmer for 1 hr.

6- Serve hot with plain yogurt on the side.

 H.Zoghib