Coussa
Coussa is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring hollowed squash filled with seasoned beef and rice, simmered in a spiced tomato broth for a hearty, aromatic meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use coussa or yellow summer squash, each about 6 inches long.
- Scoop out the insides of the squash with a grapefruit spoon, taking care not to damage the exterior.
- Mash garlic with salt and dried spearmint.
- Add water to the mint and garlic mixture.
- Place the hollowed-out coussa in the water mixture.
- Mix ground beef, uncooked rice, half a can of tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, salt, pepper, and cinnamon to prepare the stuffing.
- Fill each coussa with the beef and rice mixture.
- Place a small piece of tomato on top of each stuffed coussa.
- Stand the coussa upright in a deep pot.
- Using half of the mint water, add the remaining tomato paste and tomatoes to the pot.
- Pour the liquid over the coussa, ensuring the bottom half is covered.
- Add more water and tomatoes if necessary to keep the liquid level sufficient.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low heat.
- Cover and cook for 30 to 40 minutes or until the squash is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter filling, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute quinoa for rice for a healthier option. If fresh spearmint isn’t available, dried mint works well too. Make sure to taste your filling before stuffing to adjust seasoning to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the coussa with a refreshing side salad or yogurt sauce to balance the flavors. They also pair beautifully with rice pilaf or a slice of crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider offering a side of See-Kum-Chee Kook (Korean Spinach Soup) to complement the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the coussa in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out, cover, and heat until warmed through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coussa contains roughly 342 calories, with 8g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (142% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2038mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables instead of squash?
Yes, while coussa or yellow summer squash are traditional, you can use zucchini or bell peppers as alternatives. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the stuffing and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I do if my stuffing is too dry?
If your stuffing seems dry, add a little more water or broth to the mixture before filling the squash. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil over the stuffed coussa before cooking to add moisture.
How do I know when the coussa is done cooking?
The coussa is done when it is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Cooking times may vary based on the size and thickness of the squash, so check periodically during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).