Introduction
Mahshi is a classic Middle Eastern dish made with vegetables stuffed with a flavorful mixture of meat and rice, then slowly baked in a rich tomato sauce infused with cinnamon and cumin. Originating during the Ottoman Empire, Mahshi is especially popular in Egypt, where it is commonly served during weddings, banquets, and the holy month of Ramadan. This version uses chicken mince instead of the traditional beef, but either works beautifully.
Ingredients for the Tomato Sauce
- 3 tbsp oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2–3 tomatoes, chopped or grated
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp hot chilli powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
- 2 cups boiling water
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
Prepare the Sauce
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Sauté the chopped onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes along with all the spice powders.
- Cook for a few more minutes.
- Pour in the boiling water.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 4–5 minutes.
- Your tomato sauce is ready.
Ingredients for the Stuffing
- 3 tbsp oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp garlic, chopped
- 1½ pounds ground beef or chicken mince
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp hot chilli powder (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cinnamon powder (key ingredient)
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
Vegetables
- Bell peppers (all colours), cored
- Potatoes, halved and cored
- Onions, cored
- Zucchini, cored
Prepare the Stuffing
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Sauté the onions and garlic for a few minutes.
- Add the ground meat and cook until lightly browned.
- Add all the spice powders and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and continue cooking.
- Add a little water if needed to cook the mince.
- Cook until all the liquid evaporates and the mixture becomes fairly dry.
- Mix the soaked rice into the cooked mince.
- Your stuffing is ready.
Assemble & Bake
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Stuff each prepared vegetable with the filling.
- Arrange all the stuffed vegetables in a baking dish.
- Pour the prepared tomato sauce over them.
- Cover the baking dish with foil.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes.
- Your delicious Stuffed Vegetable Mahshi is ready.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with fresh salad.
- Pair with steamed rice or Middle Eastern bread.
Spice Level: 🌶
