Warak Enab

Warak Enab, or stuffed grape leaves, is a beloved Lebanese dish featuring tender vine leaves filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and spices. This vegetarian version is both healthy and satisfying, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• Grape leaves - 200 grams (approximately 30 leaves)
• Long-grain rice - 100 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, grated
• Parsley - 50 grams, finely chopped
• Mint - 25 grams, finely chopped
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - ½ teaspoon
• Allspice - ½ teaspoon
• Vegetable broth - 250 ml

Steps

1. Rinse the grape leaves under cold water to remove any brine and set aside to drain.
2. In a bowl, combine the rice, chopped onion, grated tomato, parsley, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and allspice. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Lay a grape leaf on a clean surface, vein side up. Place about 1 tablespoon of the rice mixture near the stem end of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from the stem end to the tip, creating a small cylinder. Repeat until all filling is used.
4. In a large pot, layer any remaining grape leaves on the bottom to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed grape leaves seam side down in the pot, tightly packed in layers.
5. Pour the vegetable broth over the stuffed leaves, ensuring they are just covered. Place a plate on top to weigh them down and prevent unrolling during cooking.
6. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
7. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
• Low in calories, making it a great option for weight management.

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