Infatica Koosa (Koosa Stew)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mediterranean

Infatica Koosa is a hearty, flavorful stew featuring tender summer squash, ground beef, and vibrant peppers, perfect for comforting family meals and vegetable lovers alike.

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Ingredients

  • 4 to 5 large Koosa or summer-type squash
  • 2 green peppers
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1 can tomato paste
  • water

Instructions

  1. Dice the vegetables including the Koosa, green peppers, and onion.
  2. Brown the ground beef and diced onions in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
  3. Add the diced green peppers and Koosa to the browned meat and stir well.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, season with spices to taste, and add enough water to cover the ingredients.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are tender, approximately 45 minutes. Serve over rice if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or spices like cumin and paprika to the ground beef while browning. If you can't find Koosa, zucchini or yellow squash makes a great substitute. To enhance the dish, try incorporating diced tomatoes or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This recipe can be easily adapted to be vegetarian by using lentils or beans instead of beef.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty Koosa stew over a bed of fluffy rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Baked Eggplant With Meat Stuffing or a fresh side salad to balance the flavors. You can also top it with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added creaminess and tang.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the stew. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Infatica Koosa (Koosa Stew) contains roughly 425 calories, with 24g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (160% of the Daily Value), protein (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 708mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

425 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23.5g 47% DV
Total Fat 24.1g 31% DV
Carbs 32.1g 12% DV
Fiber 5.4g 19% DV
Sugar 16g 32% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 707.7mg 31% DV
Potassium 1484.9mg 32% DV
Cholesterol 71mg 24% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 109.5mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 143.6mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 82.4mg 6% DV
Iron 5.8mg 32% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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 make this dish in advance?

Yes, this stew can be made a day ahead. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting overnight in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving, and consider adding a bit of water to maintain the desired consistency.

What can I serve alongside this stew?

This Koosa stew pairs well with warm pita bread or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You could also serve it with a refreshing cucumber salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or chickpeas to maintain a hearty texture.

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).

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