What stuffed zucchini dish is a classic Lebanese comfort food?

The stuffed zucchini dish known as kousa mahshi is a classic Lebanese comfort food.

The Arabic name means “stuffed zucchini”: kousa refers to the squash, while mahshi means stuffed. The zucchini are cored and filled with seasoned rice, often mixed with minced beef or lamb, herbs, and spices. They are then simmered until tender, commonly in tomato sauce or a savory broth.

Kousa mahshi belongs to the wider Levantine mahshi or dolma family, which includes stuffed eggplant, peppers, vine leaves, and cabbage. Dolma is therefore a broader category rather than the most precise answer to this question. Malfouf is specifically stuffed cabbage, while warak enab refers to stuffed grape leaves.

Recipes vary between Lebanese households. Some versions emphasize meat and rice, while others are vegetarian and cooked with olive oil. Garlic and dried mint are especially recognizable flavorings in Levantine preparations, and the dish is often served with yogurt or alongside other home-style dishes.