Warak Enab (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Tender grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice, fresh herbs, tomatoes, onions, and aromatic spices, gently simmered in a bright lemon broth. A classic Lebanese mezze enjoyed warm or cold.
Prep Time
45 mins min
Cook Time
50 mins min
Total Time
95 min
Servings
6
Ingredients
- 1 jar (16 oz) grape leaves, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup short-grain rice, rinsed
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 0.25 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 Lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the grape leaves well and trim any tough stems.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the rice, tomatoes, onion, parsley, mint, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- 3
Place one grape leaf shiny-side down.
- 4
Add about one tablespoon of filling near the stem end.
- 5
Fold in the sides and roll tightly into a small cylinder.
- 6
Repeat until all filling is used.
- 7
Arrange the stuffed grape leaves seam-side down in a large pot.
- 8
Pour the vegetable broth over the rolls.
- 9
Place a heatproof plate on top to keep them from unrolling.
- 10
Cover and simmer over low heat for 45–50 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
- 11
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- 12
Serve with fresh lemon wedges and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
You May Also Like
More delicious recipes from the Mezze category.
Spinach Fatayer
Traditional Lebanese baked pastries filled with spinach, onions, herbs, lemon juice, and tangy sumac. A healthy mezze that's perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal.
Cheese Fatayer
Soft whole wheat pastries filled with a delicious blend of Akkawi cheese, reduced-fat mozzarella, fresh parsley, and nigella seeds. A healthier version of a classic Lebanese bakery favorite.
Baked Kibbeh
A healthier oven-baked version of traditional Lebanese kibbeh made with lean ground beef, fine bulgur wheat, onions, herbs, and aromatic Mediterranean spices.