Koussa Bil Zait (Zucchini in Olive Oil)

[FoodMan]

Koussa Bil Zait (Zucchini in Olive Oil)

This recipe represents a certain type of Tabikh, that which is cooked with plenty of olive oil and eaten, in most cases, at room temperature or even straight out of the refrigerator. This type of food is very common during Lent since it utilizes no meat products. Pita bread is used to scoop the food rather than serving it with rice.

• 1/4 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  
• 1 c chopped onions
  
• 1 lb (450g) mixed green Zucchini and yellow Squash
  
• 1 c chopped ripe tomatoes
  
• 1 T tomato paste (optional: if the tomatoes are a little under ripe)
  
• Salt and Pepper to taste
  

Wash the squash and cut into ½ inch cubes or half rounds if they are very small.

Heat the olive oil in a pot with a lid and sauté the onions until soft but not browned.

Add the squash and cook for a couple of minutes then add the tomatoes and tomato paste (if using).

Season with salt and pepper and add a splash of water (a few Tbsps, enough to create some steam) then cover the pot and cook for about 10 minutes or until the squash is barely cooked but not mushy.

Serve hot or at room temperature with Pita bread

Variations:

- Green beans in olive oil: Substitute green beans cut up into 2 inch pieces for the squash and zucchini and omit the tomato and paste. Serve it with a cucumber and tomato salad.

-Dried beans in olive oil: Substitute dried red or white (I love the white ones) beans that have been soaked overnight for the squash and zucchini and omit the tomato. Cover the beans with water instead of just a few Tbsps. Cook till soft (about 1 hour). When the beans are pretty much done add 1 generous tablespoon of tomato paste. Serve it with a heavy sprinkling of fresh black pepper.

-Okra in olive oil: Substitute okra that has been cut into rounds and deep fried for the squash and zucchini. Add 1 tablespoon chopped garlic and a teaspoon Cayenne when sautéing the onion. Add ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro before adding the water and tomatoes.

Keywords: Vegetables, Lebanese, Middle Eastern, eGCI

( RG711 )