Warak Enab
Stuffed Grape Leaves
Warak Enab, meaning 'grape leaves' in Arabic, is a beloved dish across the Middle East and North Africa, including Sudan. These tender grape leaves are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, minced meat, and aromatic spices, then slow-cooked to perfection. It's a dish often prepared for special occasions and family gatherings, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region.
๐ง Ingredients
- 1 jar (approx. 454g) Grape leaves(rinsed and drained, or fresh leaves blanched)
- 1.5 cups Short-grain rice(soaked and rinsed until water runs clear)
- 1 pound Ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(finely diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil(plus more for cooking)
- 3 tablespoons Baharat (Sudanese 7-spice mix)
- 2.5 large Lemon(juiced)
- 3 tablespoons Passata
- 100 ml Water
- to taste Salt
- 1 small Potato(thinly sliced, for lining the pot)
- 2 tablespoons Pomegranate molasses(optional, for extra tang)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the soaked and rinsed rice, minced meat, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, baharat, salt to taste, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix everything thoroughly.
๐ก Tip: Ensure all ingredients are well combined for an even flavor distribution. - 2
Prepare the grape leaves: If using jarred grape leaves, rinse them thoroughly to remove excess brine. If using fresh leaves, blanch them in boiling water for a minute, then shock in ice water before draining. Set aside any torn or thick leaves for lining the pot.
๐ก Tip: Gently separate the leaves to avoid tearing. - 3
Roll the grape leaves: Lay a grape leaf flat with the smooth side down and the stem end towards you. Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling near the stem end. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly towards the tip to form a neat cylinder.
๐ก Tip: Roll them snugly but not so tight that the rice expands and bursts the leaves. - 4
Line the pot: Arrange the reserved torn or thick grape leaves at the bottom of a heavy-bottomed pot. Add the sliced potatoes over the leaves.
๐ก Tip: This layer prevents the stuffed leaves from sticking to the bottom of the pot. - 5
Arrange the stuffed leaves: Place the rolled grape leaves tightly packed in concentric circles on top of the potato layer. Continue layering until all the leaves are used.
๐ก Tip: Packing them tightly helps them maintain their shape during cooking. - 6
Prepare the cooking liquid: In a bowl, whisk together the remaining lemon juice, passata, water, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt to taste. If using, stir in the pomegranate molasses.
- 7
Cook the Warak Enab: Pour the cooking liquid over the stuffed grape leaves. Place a heatproof plate directly on top of the leaves to keep them submerged. Cover the pot with a lid.
๐ก Tip: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for about 1.5 hours, or until the rice is cooked and the leaves are tender. - 8
Rest and serve: Let the Warak Enab rest in the pot for at least 15-20 minutes after cooking before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
๐ก Tip: The flavors meld beautifully during the resting period.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase the amount of rice and vegetables in the filling.
- โIf you don't have baharat, you can substitute with a mix of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and black pepper.
- โAdjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference for tanginess.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a layer of sliced tomatoes or lamb chops at the bottom of the pot before layering the grape leaves.
- Some recipes include a pinch of Aleppo pepper or sumac in the filling for added flavor.