Tender courgettes filled with a fragrant rice and vegetable mixture, gently cooked with tomatoes until perfectly soft and comforting. This classic Middle Eastern vegetarian dish is light, satisfying, and full of warm spices, making it ideal for family meals or special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stuffed courgette recipe is simple yet deeply flavorful, relying on everyday ingredients and traditional techniques. It is naturally vegetarian, low in calories, and versatile enough to be served as a main dish or a hearty side. The balance of fresh tomatoes, aromatic spices, and buttery rice creates a comforting meal that feels both wholesome and special.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 small courgettes (about 10–12 cm long)
1 cup white short-grain rice, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes and drained
3 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
8 small tomatoes, cut in half
1 tablespoon fresh tomato paste
1 tablespoon water
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons pine nuts (snoubars)
1 teaspoon dried mint
1 teaspoon bahar spice
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Water, as needed for cooking

Directions

Cut off the stem ends of the courgettes. Using a small corer or teaspoon, carefully hollow out each courgette, removing as much pulp as possible without breaking the skin.

Place the hollowed courgettes in a bowl of water mixed with a pinch of salt, half the dried mint, and the crushed garlic. Set aside while preparing the filling.

Finely chop the courgette pulp. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft and translucent. Add the courgette pulp, bahar, salt, and black pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until lightly softened.

In a separate small pan, melt the butter and toast the pine nuts until golden. Add the drained rice and stir for 1–2 minutes until coated and slightly glossy.

Combine the rice mixture with the sautéed courgette pulp and mix well.

Remove the courgettes from the soaking water and gently fill them with the rice mixture, leaving a little space at the top to allow the rice to expand.

Line the bottom of a wide pot with the sliced tomatoes. Arrange the stuffed courgettes on top in a single layer. Place the halved tomatoes over the courgettes.

Mix the tomato paste with the tablespoon of water and drizzle over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining dried mint.

Add enough water to come halfway up the courgettes. Place a heatproof plate upside down on top to keep them from moving.

Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 35–40 minutes, until the rice and courgettes are fully tender and the sauce has thickened.

Serve warm, spooning the tomato sauce over the courgettes.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 people.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes

Variations

You can replace white rice with brown rice, adjusting the cooking time and adding a little extra water. Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or dill can be mixed into the filling for added freshness. For a richer flavor, a pinch of ground cinnamon or allspice can be added to the spice mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover stuffed courgettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a covered pan with a few tablespoons of water and warm gently over low heat, or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I prepare stuffed courgettes ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the courgettes several hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Short-grain white rice works best because it becomes tender and absorbs flavors well.

Can I freeze stuffed courgettes?

It is best to freeze them after cooking. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Do I need to peel the courgettes?

No, the skin helps hold the courgettes together during cooking and adds texture.

What can I serve with stuffed courgettes?

They pair well with plain yogurt, a fresh salad, or warm flatbread.

Can I make this recipe without pine nuts?

Yes, you can omit the pine nuts or replace them with chopped almonds if desired.

How do I prevent the courgettes from breaking?

Hollow them carefully and avoid overstuffing, leaving space for the rice to expand.

Is this dish suitable for children?

Yes, it is mild in flavor and can be adjusted by reducing the spices.

Can I cook this in the oven instead of on the stove?

Yes, you can bake it covered at 180°C for about 45 minutes, adding enough liquid to prevent drying.

How do I know when the courgettes are done?

They are ready when a knife slides easily into the courgette and the rice is fully cooked.

Conclusion

Stuffed courgettes are a timeless vegetarian dish that showcases simple ingredients transformed into something deeply satisfying. With their tender texture, fragrant filling, and comforting tomato sauce, they make a beautiful addition to any table and a recipe worth returning to again and again.

Print