Stuffed Grape Leaves with Savory Meat and Rice
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Waraq Al Dawali, where tender grape leaves are meticulously wrapped around a savory blend of seasoned ground meat and fragrant rice. This traditional Middle Eastern dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a versatile filling that can be adapted for a variety of vegetables such as peppers and zucchini. Perfect for gatherings or family meals, these stuffed grape leaves are sure to impress with their juicy filling and harmonious spices, embodying the warmth and hospitality of Mediterranean cuisine.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Grape Leaves
1000 g (drained and rinsed)
Medium Onion
1 (minced)
Olive Oil
4 tablespoons (divided)
Ground Beef or Lamb
1.5 lbs (raw)
Rice
1 cup (short or long grain)
Pomegranate Molasses
3 tablespoons (none)
Allspice
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Garlic
3 teaspoons (minced (2 teaspoons for filling, 1 tablespoon for sauce))
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Water
1 1/4 cups (none)
Lemon Juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Tomato Paste
4 oz (divided)
Large Onion
1 (sliced into rings)
Medium Tomatoes
2 (sliced thinly)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining and rinsing the grape leaves thoroughly under cool water until the water runs clear. Carefully trim off any thick stems.
2
In a large pot with a well-fitting lid, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and spread it around the bottom of the pot.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced onion, remaining olive oil, ground meat, rice, pomegranate molasses, allspice, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, lemon juice, the remaining tablespoon of minced garlic, and half of the tomato paste to create a flavorful sauce.
5
Create a bed in the pot by layering sliced onion rings and tomato slices at the bottom.
6
Taking a grape leaf, lay it vein side up, ensuring the top of the leaf points away from you. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the meat and rice filling into the bottom center of the leaf. Fold the leaf away from you to encase the filling, then fold in the sides and roll it up tightly, finishing seam side down. Repeat this process until all filling is used.
7
As you layer the rolled grape leaves in the pot, sprinkle each layer with some of the prepared sauce and alternate with layers of onion rings and tomato slices until all grape leaves are packed tightly.
8
Ensure the leaves are covered with liquid; if needed, add more water to achieve this.
9
Place a heat-proof plate on top of the leaves, cover the pot, and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow to cook for 50-60 minutes until the rice is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waraq Al Dawali?
Waraq Al Dawali is a traditional Middle Eastern dish where tender grape leaves are wrapped around a savory blend of seasoned ground meat and fragrant rice.
What kind of meat is used in this stuffed grape leaves recipe?
You can use 1.5 lbs of either raw ground beef or lamb.
How long do the stuffed grape leaves need to cook?
They should be cooked at a gentle simmer for 50-60 minutes until the rice is tender.
Can the filling be used for other vegetables?
Yes, the filling is versatile and can be used to stuff other vegetables like peppers and zucchini.
What type of rice should I use for Waraq Al Dawali?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of rice, which can be either short or long grain.
How do I prepare the grape leaves before stuffing?
Drain and rinse the grape leaves thoroughly under cool water and trim off any thick stems.
What is the purpose of pomegranate molasses in the filling?
Pomegranate molasses is used to add a unique savory and tangy flavor to the meat and rice mixture.
How do I ensure the grape leaves don't unroll during cooking?
Roll the leaves tightly, place them seam side down in the pot, and use a heat-proof plate on top to keep them packed.
Why should I put a plate on top of the grape leaves?
Placing a heat-proof plate on top keeps the leaves submerged and prevents them from shifting while simmering.
What ingredients are in the cooking sauce?
The sauce is a whisked mixture of water, lemon juice, minced garlic, and tomato paste.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is associated with healthy eating and Mediterranean cuisine.
What spices are needed for the meat and rice filling?
The filling is seasoned with allspice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Why are onion rings and tomato slices placed at the bottom of the pot?
They create a flavorful bed that prevents the grape leaves from sticking to the pot.
How many grape leaves are required for this recipe?
You will need 1000 grams of grape leaves.
How much olive oil is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of olive oil, divided between the pot and the filling.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe recommends 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Which side of the grape leaf should face up when stuffing?
The leaf should be laid vein side up with the top pointing away from you.
How much filling goes into each grape leaf?
Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the meat and rice filling into the bottom center of each leaf.
How much tomato paste is needed in total?
The recipe uses 4 oz of tomato paste, which is divided.
How much garlic is used in total?
You need 3 teaspoons of minced garlic: 2 for the filling and 1 for the sauce.
What should I do if the liquid doesn't cover the leaves?
If the prepared sauce isn't enough, add more water until the leaves are fully covered.
What category does this dish belong to?
This dish is categorized under Rice dishes.
Is the meat cooked before stuffing the leaves?
No, the ground beef or lamb is mixed raw with the rice and spices before rolling.
How do you layer the pot for cooking?
Layer the pot with onion and tomato slices, then pack the rolled leaves tightly, sprinkling sauce between layers.
What are common alternative names for this dish?
It is also known as dolmas or vegetable stuffing in various Mediterranean cultures.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to drain and rinse the grape leaves and trim the stems.
How much water is used for the sauce?
The sauce requires 1 1/4 cups of water.
What temperature should the pot be at during cooking?
The pot should be brought to a gentle simmer after covering it.
What makes this dish special for gatherings?
Its meticulous preparation and harmonious spices embody the warmth and hospitality of Mediterranean cuisine.