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Lebanese Stuffed Yellow Squash
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Lebanese Stuffed Yellow Squash

Enjoy this hearty, aromatic Lebanese stuffed yellow squash—juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting Mediterranean meal filled with fragrant spices and wholesome ingredients.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle East
Keyword Garlic, Ground Meat, Onions, Yellow Squash
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 520kcal

Ingredients

  • 500 g (1.1 lb) Yellow Squash 4 large
  • 250 g (8.8 oz) Ground Beef
  • 100 g (3.5) oz Rice
  • 1 Onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 250 ml (1 cup) Water
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1 tbsp Allspice
  • ½ tsp Cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp Nutmeg
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Lemon Juice for finishing
  • Fresh Parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice the yellow squash in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a sturdy shell. Chop the flesh finely and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent. Next, add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart for an even texture.
  • Mix in the chopped squash flesh, rice, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Add tomato paste and a splash of water, stirring well to combine. Cover and simmer until the rice is half cooked and flavors meld—about 10 minutes.
  • Stuff each squash shell generously with the filling. Place stuffed squash in a baking dish, add bay leaves around them, and pour in enough water to cover the bottom of the dish.
  • Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes until the squash is tender and the filling is juicy and flavorful. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley for a zesty, vibrant touch.