Savor the essence of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine with Enchanting Warak Enab, a delightful dish of stuffed vine leaves. Each leaf is meticulously filled with a flavorful mix of rice, herbs, and spices, then rolled into small, bite-sized parcels. Cooked to tender perfection, these rolls offer a burst of flavors, embodying a blend of tangy, herby, and savory notes. Warak Enab is not only a dish but an art form, cherished in gatherings and feasts.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 6 people
- Serving Size: 6-8 stuffed vine leaves
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
Ingredients
- Vine leaves, jarred or fresh: 60 leaves
- Short-grain rice: 200 grams (7.1 ounces / 0.44 pounds)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped: 50 grams (1.76 ounces / 0.11 pounds)
- Fresh mint, finely chopped: 30 grams (1 ounce / 0.066 pounds)
- Onion, finely chopped: 100 grams (3.5 ounces / 0.22 pounds)
- Tomatoes, finely diced: 100 grams (3.5 ounces / 0.22 pounds)
- Olive oil: 60 ml (2 ounces / 0.13 pounds)
- Lemon juice: 30 ml (1 ounce / 0.066 pounds)
- Salt: 5 grams (0.18 ounces / 0.01 pounds)
- Ground black pepper: 2 grams (0.07 ounces / 0.004 pounds)
- Ground cinnamon: 2 grams (0.07 ounces / 0.004 pounds)
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Preparing Vine Leaves: If using jarred leaves, rinse them under cold water. If fresh, blanch in boiling water.
- Rice Mixture: Mix rice, parsley, mint, onion, tomatoes, olive oil, half the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
- Stuffing and Rolling: Place a leaf on a flat surface, add a spoonful of the rice mixture, and roll tightly.
- Cooking: Arrange the rolls in a pot. Cover with water, remaining lemon juice, and a plate to keep them submerged. Simmer until the rice is cooked.
- Serving: Let cool slightly before serving. Can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Don't overfill the leaves to prevent bursting during cooking.
- Cook the rolls on low heat to ensure they are tender and the flavors are well infused.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Warak Enab be made vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is inherently vegetarian. For a vegan version, ensure no animal-based ingredients are used.
How can I store leftover Warak Enab?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Warak Enab?
Yes, they freeze well. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.