Bosnian Japrak (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Japrak is a traditional Bosnian dish of grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of minced meat and rice, seasoned with herbs and spices. These parcels are then slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce, often tomato-based, resulting in a tender and aromatic dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 40 leaves Grape leaves(fresh or jarred, stems removed)
- 500 g Ground beef
- 100 g Rice(short-grain, rinsed)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Sweet paprika
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 300 ml Tomato sauce
- 200 ml Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then drain and cool. If using jarred leaves, rinse and drain them.
💡 Tip: Blanching fresh leaves makes them pliable for stuffing. - 2
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, rinsed rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
💡 Tip: Ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed is key for flavor. - 3
To stuff the leaves, place a grape leaf flat with the inner side facing up. Place about a tablespoon of the meat mixture onto the lower part of the leaf. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly like a small cigar. Do not roll too tightly, as the rice will expand during cooking.
💡 Tip: Practice makes perfect when rolling the leaves. - 4
Arrange the stuffed japraks snugly in a greased baking dish or a large pot, seam-side down. This helps them stay closed during cooking.
💡 Tip: Packing them tightly prevents them from unraveling. - 5
In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce and water. Pour this mixture over the japraks in the baking dish/pot. Add olive oil.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid covers most of the japraks. - 6
Cover the dish/pot tightly with foil or a lid. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the leaves are tender.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes💡 Tip: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the japraks and your oven. - 7
Let the japrak rest for a few minutes before serving. It is traditionally served with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
💡 Tip: Allowing it to rest helps the flavors meld.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If using jarred grape leaves, rinse them thoroughly to remove excess brine.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a few slices of smoked meat or bacon to the bottom of the pot before layering the japraks.
- ✓Japrak can be made ahead of time and reheated; the flavors often deepen overnight.
🔄 Variations
- Use collard greens instead of grape leaves (Herzegovinian style).
- Add finely chopped mint to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use a filling of rice, sautéed vegetables (like mushrooms and zucchini), and herbs.