We grew an absolute ton of kousa in the giant backyard garden of my childhood. Making any kousa dish has become one of those special experiences that allows me to reminisce, indulge in spending time with my memories, and get nostalgic in the best ways. I think you very much know what I mean! We cook and bake to eat and share. But we also do it to tap in and hold close the joy (and sorrow) of what has gone before us.
The "worth-it" celebrity of Lebanese cuisine. Worth it for being SO delicious, aromatic, and also as a pathway to memories and keeping traditions alive.
Little secret: you don't have to know what a kousa is, or have kousa available where you are, or be in the middle of summer, to enjoy kousa, Lebanese-style.
You can use zucchini instead! Kousa is paler in color, slightly different in shape and size, but pretty much the same in flavor. Kousa (spelling can be coosa, cusa, cousa, koosa, and no doubt still more) enjoys its stardom as the ultimate stuffed vegetable. When I don't have kousa proper, I use zucchini and yellow squash for equally delectable results.
Scroll down for both meat-and-rice plus vegetarian stuffed kousa recipes. Plus, kousa simmered in yogurt sauce and what to make with the cores after hollowing out the squash (deliciousness!). Oh and if you like a good story, it's here too (are you a kousa?! Oh Dad!).
Lots of you are stocking up your pantries for Easter, and sending gifts from the Shop. Thank you! For kousa, try adding a pinch of Lebanese 7 Spice or Garlic Mint Salt. We're overjoyed to have taken delivery of a stash of the 2025 fresh harvest Maalouf Authentic 1.5 liter extra virgin olive oil. You wait for this as we do every year, along with Darmmess olive oil. Your purchases mean a lot as they support these makers who are in the midst of war.
Bless your hands,
Stuffed Kousa.
Love this photo from my first cookbook for a pot of savory kousa. That tomato broth! The onion! Delicious in any season.
The filling includes lots of vegetables. You can add chickpeas too for protein-fiber goodness. The flavor is SO like the meat version, mouthwatering and great.
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