Tender zucchini cored and stuffed with a seasoned ground beef, onion, and pine nut filling makes Kusa Bi Laban a staple of Levantine home cooking. The hollowed squash is lightly browned to draw out its natural sweetness, providing a firm yet yielding contrast to the silky, warm yogurt sauce it simmers in.
The sauce relies on a traditional egg-thickened yogurt base, whisked until it reaches a smooth, velvety consistency. Once the stuffed vegetables finish poaching, the tangy yogurt cuts through the richness of the meat, while finishing touches like dried mint or a fragrant garlic-cilantro sizzle add a necessary brightness.
This is a classic weeknight meal that pairs best with a side of fluffy white rice to soak up the extra sauce. It relies on humble, fresh produce and pantry staples to create a balanced, satisfying plate that highlights how well simple aromatics and slow-simmered dairy can transform seasonal vegetables.
Read Full StoryIf you enjoy the comforting combination of tender vegetables and creamy, tangy sauce, you will find plenty of inspiration in these variations of stuffed zucchinis in yoghurt. Preparing this classic dish is a labor of love that highlights the balance between fresh produce and rich dairy, and experimenting with different regional approaches—like this traditional Qoosah B Laban—can help you refine your technique and find your favorite way to serve this Middle Eastern staple.
Key Ingredients
- Zucchini: Small zucchini are cored and stuffed with a savory meat mixture.
- Ground beef: Sautéed ground beef serves as the protein-rich filling for the hollowed zucchini.
- Yogurt: A creamy yogurt sauce forms the base in which the stuffed zucchini are simmered.
- Pine nuts: Toasted pine nuts provide a distinctive crunch and nutty flavor to the meat filling.
- 7 spice: This blend of spices seasons the beef, giving the dish its signature aromatic profile.
- Dried mint: Used as a final garnish to add a cooling, herbal finish to the yogurt sauce.
Explore More Variations of Stuffed Zucchini in Yoghurt
- Koussa Bi Laban serves as an excellent starting point for understanding how to properly core and stuff zucchini for the best texture.
- Try this Lebanese style recipe if you want to master the delicate art of thickening the yoghurt sauce without curdling.
- This version of Kousa Bil Laban offers a slightly different take on seasoning, perfect for those looking to adjust the aromatic profile of their dish.
Fooooods Team curates recipe inspiration from food creators worldwide, focusing on flavor discovery, visual appeal, and accessible home cooking ideas. More about our editorial process →