Best 2 Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves Recipes

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Lebanese stuffed grape leaves, also known as "Warak Enab", is a traditional Middle Eastern delicacy that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. This delectable dish consists of tender grape leaves meticulously stuffed with a flavorful filling and then artfully cooked to perfection. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the secrets behind creating the most exquisite Lebanese stuffed grape leaves, ensuring that your next meal is a memorable symphony of taste and tradition.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

LEBANESE STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES



Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 2h45m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

40 garlic cloves
1 pound ground beef
3/4 cup uncooked white rice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 jar grape leaves, or about 50 fresh grape leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pound pork or lamb chops
1 tomato, sliced
1/2 cup lemon juice

Steps:

  • In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground beef, rice, garlic powder, allspice, salt, pepper, and cinnamon, and set aside.
  • Rinse grape leaves several times. If the leaves are small, leave them intact, but cut out the large center vein. If the leaves are large, cut them in half vertically, cutting out the large vein in the process. Place a small amount of the ground meat mixture at the end of each leaf. Roll up egg-roll style.
  • Pour the oil into the bottom of a large Dutch oven. Lay the chops over the oil. Lay the tomato slices over the chops.
  • Place the stuffed grape leaves seam-side down on top of the chops. Pack the leaves tightly and begin a second layer when necessary. Place whole garlic cloves randomly between the rolled leaves; plenty of garlic on each layer.
  • When you are done stacking, pour the lemon juice over the leaves, and add water to the pot to about 2-inches above the rolled leaves. To prevent the leaves from unrolling during cooking, place a plate on top of the stack of leaves and place a heavy object on top of the plate.
  • Simmer the leaves over low heat for about 2 hours.
  • Invert the entire Dutch oven into a large platter with high sides (i.e. a 12-inch round cake pan). Or, remove the leaves from the pot with tongs. Serve rustic style, with plenty of Arabic bread on which to spread the garlic!

LEBANESE STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES RECIPE - (3.9/5)



Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves Recipe - (3.9/5) image

Provided by GratefulSea

Number Of Ingredients 15

3/4 cup uncooked rice (not instant)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon allspice
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup minced parsley
2 tablespoons minced mint leaves
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 pound lean ground lamb, uncooked
24 grape leaves
1 cup chicken broth
1 (8-ounce) jar grape leaves yields about 48 good ones.
0.5 ounces mint leaves yields about 1/4 cup.
Doubling the recipe yields enough mix for 60-64 grape leaves.

Steps:

  • Put the rice in a colander and rinse three times with cold water. Combine the salt, pepper, allspice, and cinnamon, and sprinkle over the rice, stirring to mix well. Add the parsley and mint, and mix. Add the butter and uncooked lamb to the rice, and mix well. Place the grape leaves in a large bowl and cover with boiling water to soften. Let soak for at least 3 minutes. Remove and drain in colander. Cool, then trim off stems. (Note: save any torn leaves to use to patch others when rolling them up.) To stuff leaves, place a Tablespoon of the rice and lamb mixture on each leaf. Beginning with the stem end, roll the leaf up over the filling, then fold in each side halfway to the center, and then finish rolling from the bottom upward so you have a nice cigar-shaped package by the time you reach the top. Keep them snug, but do not roll too tightly, since the filling will expand while cooking. Cover the bottom of a dutch oven with a few of the torn grape leaves. Arrange the stuffed grape leaves in neat, tight rows, one layer on top of the other. Drizzle with olive oil. Pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the grape leaves and add enough water to almost cover. Insert a heavy dish on top of the grape leaves to hold them in place, so the bottom of the dish is pressing down on them. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce heat and simmer on low for about 1 hour, or until the grape leaves are tender. Serve warm with plain yoghurt.

Tips:

  • Choose fresh grape leaves: Fresh grape leaves are more pliable and easier to work with. If using store-bought grape leaves, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes to soften them.
  • Blanch the grape leaves: Blanching the grape leaves helps to soften them and make them more pliable. To blanch, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the grape leaves. Boil for 1-2 minutes, or until the leaves are bright green and limp. Remove the leaves from the boiling water and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
  • Use a variety of fillings: The traditional Lebanese stuffed grape leaves filling is made with rice, ground beef, and spices. However, you can get creative and use other fillings, such as lamb, chicken, vegetables, or seafood.
  • Be careful not to overstuff the grape leaves: Overstuffing the grape leaves will make them difficult to roll and may cause them to break. Aim to use about 1 tablespoon of filling per grape leaf.
  • Cook the stuffed grape leaves slowly: Stuffed grape leaves are best cooked slowly over low heat. This allows the flavors to meld and the grape leaves to become tender.

Conclusion:

Lebanese stuffed grape leaves are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can easily make this dish at home. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give Lebanese stuffed grape leaves a try!

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