As Ramadan progresses, it\’s easy to fall into routine with our meals. Today, we decided to shake things up with a fun and delicious variation of a traditional favorite: Kousa (Stuffed Zucchini) with Minced Meat. But because it\’s Day 23 and we\’re embracing the spirit of simplicity, we took a shortcut and skipped the stuffing. Instead, we combined the savory minced meat with tender zucchini slices, creating a hearty and flavorful base for our pasta.

Why Pasta Today?

Traditionally, this dish is enjoyed with rice, but today we felt like mixing things up. Pasta seemed like the perfect alternative, adding a delightful twist to the meal. The combination of the rich tomato and red pepper sauce with the seasoned meat and zucchini clings beautifully to the pasta, making each bite a burst of flavor.

A Hit with the Family

The best part? The kids absolutely loved it! The familiar flavors they adore, now with a fun pasta twist, made for a satisfying iftar. It\’s always a win when the whole family enjoys a meal together.

Ingredients:

• 6 zucchinis, cut in half
• 250g minced meat (beef or lamb)
• 2 tomatoes, blended
• 1 red bell pepper, blended
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp Arabic spice blend
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• Optional: 1 tsp tomato paste (for color)
• 1/2 cup broth (if needed for sauce)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
• Add the minced meat to the pot and cook until browned. As the meat cooks, add the Arabic spice blend, cinnamon, cumin, coriander powder, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine and let the spices infuse the meat.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

• While the meat is cooking, blend the tomatoes and red bell pepper together to form a smooth sauce.
• Once the meat is browned and the spices are well mixed, add the tomato-red pepper sauce to the pot with the meat. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

3. Prepare the Zucchini:

• In a separate pan, heat 1 teaspoon of ghee. Add the zucchini halves and sauté them until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. You can adjust the cooking time based on your preferred texture for the zucchini.
• Once sautéed, add the zucchini to the pot with the meat and sauce mixture. Let everything simmer together for another 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the zucchini to fully cook.

4. Optional:

• If the sauce’s color is not as rich as you desire, stir in 1 teaspoon of tomato paste to deepen the color.
• If the sauce is too thick, add half a cup of broth to loosen it.

5. Serve:

• Once the zucchini and meat mixture has simmered and the flavors have developed, serve the dish warm. This can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of rice or bread.

Enjoy your flavorful and comforting Kousa with Minced Meat!

Health Tip: Incorporating zucchini adds a nutritious element to the dish, providing vitamins and minerals. Opting for lean minced meat offers a good source of protein without excess fat. Using whole-grain pasta can boost the fiber content, making this meal both delicious and balanced.
Enjoy Your Meal!

Embracing flexibility in our Ramadan meals keeps things exciting and caters to everyone\’s tastes. This simple yet flavorful dish is proof that with a little creativity, we can reinvent our favorites and make mealtime enjoyable for the whole family.