Stuffed zucchini in tomato sauce (Kousa Mahshi)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the zucchini 

1. Wash the zucchini well and remove the tops.  
2. Use a zucchini corer to take out the insides, leaving about ½ cm of flesh around the edges. 

Step 2: Make the stuffing 

1. Drain the soaked rice and place it in a large bowl.
2. Add the minced meat, chopped tomatoes, parsley, mint, onion, spices, salt, and olive oil. Mix everything well. 

Step 3: Stuff and cook the zucchini 

1. Fill each zucchini gently with the stuffing, leaving about 2 cm at the top for the rice to expand while cooking.
2. Put the stuffed zucchini tightly in a large pot.
3. Pour the passata, olive oil, and 1 lemon’s juice into the pot. Add enough water to just cover the zucchini.
4. Place a plate on top of the zucchini to keep them from floating. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. After 30 minutes, remove the plate and add the chopped garlic, dried mint, and juice of the second lemon. Simmer for another 30 minutes.
6. Check one zucchini to make sure it is soft. You can add more lemon juice if needed. 

Step 5: Final step

• You can cut it into pieces that is easy for baby to grab or mash it with a fork