Japrak me Mish dhe Oriz
A flavorful Albanian dish of stuffed grape leaves with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, herbs, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection.
🧂 Ingredients
- 40-50 leaves Fresh grape leaves(or canned, rinsed and drained)
- 500 g Ground lamb or beef
- 1 cup Medium-grain rice(rinsed)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1/4 cup Fresh mint(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 2 cups Water or broth
- 2 tbsp Butter(for cooking)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside. If using canned, rinse them well.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, rinsed rice, chopped onion, parsley, mint, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- 3
Lay a grape leaf flat with the shiny side down and the stem end towards you. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling near the stem end. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the stem end towards the tip.
- 4
Arrange the rolled grape leaves snugly in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, seam-side down, in a single layer. You can also create multiple layers if needed.
- 5
Pour the water or broth over the japrak. Add the butter. Place a heatproof plate on top of the japrak to keep them submerged and prevent them from unraveling during cooking.
- 6
Cover the pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the leaves are soft. Check occasionally to ensure there is enough liquid.
- 7
Let the japrak rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, drizzled with a little extra olive oil or lemon juice if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use tender, young grape leaves for the best texture.
- ✓Don't overfill the leaves, as the rice will expand during cooking.
- ✓Ensure the japrak are tightly packed in the pot to prevent them from falling apart.
- ✓Adjust seasoning to your preference before rolling.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase the amount of rice and vegetables like finely chopped zucchini or bell peppers.
- Add a pinch of allspice or cinnamon to the filling for a warmer flavor profile.
- Serve with a side of yogurt or a lemon-dill sauce.