Ingredients

1 jar grape leaves ( about 1000 grams , you can of course use fresh but you will have to prepare them )
1 medium onion , minced
4 tablespoons olive oil , divided
1 1/2 lbs ground beef or 1 1/2 lbs lamb
1 cup rice ( short or long grain )
3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses ( dibbs roman )
1/2 teaspoon allspice
2 teaspoons garlic , minced
1 tablespoon garlic , minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/4 cups water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tomato paste , can 4 oz divided
1 large onion , sliced into rings
2 medium tomatoes , sliced thinly
Waraq Al Dawali, also known as Stuffed Grape Leaves, is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is made by rolling a fragrant mixture of spiced rice and ground beef or lamb in grape leaves. This dish is popular in many countries, including Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece, and is often served as an appetizer or main course. The grape leaves give the dish a tangy and slightly bitter flavor, while the filling is rich and savory. Waraq Al Dawali is a dish that brings families and friends together for a hearty and delicious meal.

Instructions

1.Rinse the grape leaves, remove the stems, and let them soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes.
2.In a large skillet, sauté the minced onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium-high heat until golden brown.
3.Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned.
4.Add the rice, 2 tablespoons of pomegranate molasses, allspice, garlic, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5.Add 1 1/4 cups of water, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and half of the tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture come to a boil.
6.Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is cooked.
7.While the mixture is simmering, prepare the grape leaves for stuffing: remove them from the water, and place them on a cutting board with the grainy side facing up. Cut off any excess stems, and spoon the warm rice and meat mixture onto each leaf. Fold the sides of the leaves over the filling and roll it up tightly.
8.Cover the bottom of a large pot with remaining tomato paste, sliced onions, and sliced tomatoes. Set the rolled grape leaves on top of the vegetables, pressing them down slightly.
9.Add 2 cups of water to the pot and drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the grape leaves. Cover the pot and let simmer over low heat for 30-45 minutes until the rice is tender. Serve hot or cold.

PROS

Waraq Al Dawali is a healthy and flavorful dish that is rich in protein and essential nutrients.

It is a great source of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps prevent diseases such as colon cancer.

CONS

This dish is high in calories and fat due to the use of ground beef or lamb in the filling, but you can substitute with leaner meats or vegetarian options.

The preparation time may seem daunting, but the result is well worth the effort.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Waraq Al Dawali is a great source of protein, fiber, and several essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and iron.
The use of grape leaves in the recipe also provides polyphenols, antioxidants that have been linked to reducing inflammation and promoting heart health.

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