Kousa Bil Laban – How to Prepare Syrian-Style Stuffed Zucchini in Yogurt Sauce

Kousa Bil Laban – How to Prepare Syrian-Style Stuffed Zucchini in Yogurt Sauce

Kousa Bil Laban is a traditional dish in Levantine cuisine, known for its rich flavors and creamy texture. It is typically served alongside rice for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is nutrient-dense, as every 300 grams contain approximately 377 calories, 27 grams of protein, 39 grams of carbohydrates, and 13 grams of fat. Despite requiring about 90 minutes to prepare, it is relatively easy to make. Below, we present a recipe for four servings, along with detailed preparation steps to help you achieve an authentic taste.

Ingredients:

 

For the Stuffed Zucchini:

• 1 kg of small-sized zucchini (cored)
• 500 grams of ground beef or lamb
• 100 grams of pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon of ghee
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon of mixed spices
• ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1.5 kg of plain yogurt
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of salt

How to Prepare Kousa Bil Laban:

Step 1: Preparing the Stuffing

1. Wash and core the zucchini to remove the inside flesh, ensuring they remain intact.
2. In a pan, melt the ghee over medium heat.
3. Add the ground meat, black pepper, cinnamon, and mixed spices, stirring well.
4. Add the pine nuts and continue stirring until the meat is fully cooked and the pine nuts are slightly toasted.
5. Remove the stuffing mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly before stuffing the zucchini.

Step 2: Stuffing and Frying the Zucchini

1. Fill each zucchini with the prepared meat mixture, ensuring they are not overfilled to prevent splitting during cooking.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and lightly fry the stuffed zucchini until golden brown.
3. Remove the zucchini and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Preparing the Yogurt Sauce

1. In a deep pot, whisk together the yogurt and egg until smooth.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 cup of water and gradually add it to the yogurt mixture while stirring.
3. Place the pot on medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture begins to boil.
4. Add salt and stir for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 4: Cooking the Stuffed Zucchini in Yogurt Sauce

1. Carefully add the fried stuffed zucchini into the boiling yogurt sauce.
2. Lower the heat and allow the dish to simmer for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Serving

• Transfer the Kousa Bil Laban into a serving dish.
• Serve hot, accompanied by a plate of white rice for a traditional touch.

Enjoy this creamy, savory dish with family or guests, and savor its authentic Middle Eastern flavors!