RecipesIsraelStuffed Kohlrabi with Tahini and Herbs

Stuffed Kohlrabi with Tahini and Herbs

Tender kohlrabi shells filled with a savory mixture of rice, ground beef, and aromatic herbs, all brought together with a creamy tahini sauce. This dish offers a unique blend of earthy kohlrabi and classic Middle Eastern flavors.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 45 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyMedium
Stuffed Kohlrabi with Tahini and Herbs - Israel traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 4 medium Kohlrabi
  • 500 g Ground beef
  • 1 cup Rice(uncooked, preferably short-grain)
  • 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh dill(chopped)
  • 1/2 cup Tahini
  • 1/4 cup Lemon juice
  • 4 tbsp Olive oil
  • 3 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel kohlrabi, cut off the tops and bottoms, and scoop out the insides to create hollow shells, leaving about a 1/2-inch thick wall. Reserve the scooped-out kohlrabi flesh.

    💡 Tip: Be careful not to pierce the bottom of the kohlrabi shells.
  2. 2

    Cook the rice according to package directions. Drain and let cool slightly.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

    💡 Tip: You can also add a pinch of cumin or coriander for extra flavor.
  4. 4

    Stuff the kohlrabi shells with the meat and rice mixture, filling them about three-quarters full.

    💡 Tip: Do not overstuff, as the filling will expand slightly during cooking.
  5. 5

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1/2 cup of water until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

    💡 Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time.
  6. 6

    Place the stuffed kohlrabi in a baking dish. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth around the kohlrabi. Drizzle the tahini sauce over the kohlrabi.

    💡 Tip: The broth should come about halfway up the sides of the kohlrabi.
  7. 7

    Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the kohlrabi is tender and the filling is cooked through.

  8. 8

    While the kohlrabi is baking, finely chop the reserved kohlrabi flesh and sauté it in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper until softened. This can be used as a side or mixed into the sauce.

  9. 9

    Once the kohlrabi is cooked, remove from the oven. You can serve the kohlrabi with the cooking liquid as a sauce, or thicken the liquid by simmering it on the stovetop for a few minutes.

    💡 Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Choose kohlrabi that are firm and heavy for their size.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and increase the amount of rice and herbs, or add cooked lentils or chickpeas.
  • The kohlrabi flesh can be finely chopped and added to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the meat filling for a warmer flavor.
  • Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt or labneh.

🏷️ Tags