✅ Stuffed Grape Leaves (Waraka Enab / Mahshi) -
Servings: 5 – 7 people
Prep Time: About 1 hour
Cooking Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Ingredients:
1. Grape Leaves:
- 1 kg grape leaves (fresh or preserved)
2. Rice Filling:
- 1 kg short-grain rice (Egyptian or similar)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
- 1 small cup olive oil
- 1 small cup pomegranate molasses
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder (optional, to taste)
- 2 tbsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp mixed spices (7-spice or allspice)
- Chopped parsley (optional, to taste)
3. For the Pot Base & Cooking:
- 1 onion, sliced into circles
- 1 tomato, sliced into circles
- 1 potato, sliced into circles
- 1 small cup olive oil
- 1 small cup pomegranate molasses
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Juice of 2 lemons (added 15 minutes before finishing)
- Hot water (enough to cover the rolls)
Instructions:
Blanch the Grape Leaves:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tbsp salt.
- Add the grape leaves in batches and blanch for about 2 minutes until soft.
- Remove and place in a colander or tray to cool. Repeat until all leaves are done.
Prepare the Rice Filling:
- Wash the rice well, then soak it in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain completely.
- In a large bowl, mix the drained rice with:
- Chopped onion and tomato
- Olive oil + pomegranate molasses
- Tomato paste, salt, chicken bouillon, turmeric, black pepper, and mixed spices
- Chopped parsley (if using)
- Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Rolling the Grape Leaves:
- Place a grape leaf flat (shiny side down).
- Put a small amount of rice filling near the bottom center.
- Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly into a small cylinder (don’t overfill).
- Repeat with all the leaves.
Assembling the Pot:
- In the bottom of a large pot, arrange the onion slices, then tomato slices, then potato slices.
- Neatly arrange the stuffed grape leaf rolls on top (pack them tightly).
- Mix 1 small cup olive oil + 1 small cup pomegranate molasses + salt + tomato paste and pour over the rolls.
- Add hot water until it completely covers the rolls.
Cooking:
- Place a heavy plate or lid on top of the rolls to keep them pressed down.
- Cook on high heat until the water boils.
- Once boiling, reduce to very low heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- 15 minutes before it’s done, add the juice of 2 lemons.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot with yogurt or a fresh salad on the side.
Tips:
- Taste and adjust salt and acidity before closing the pot.
- If using preserved (jarred) grape leaves, rinse them well multiple times to reduce saltiness.
- Don’t overstuff the leaves to prevent them from bursting while cooking.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds and lemon wedges when serving, according to your preference.
I offer you my recipes out of love and to help me live with dignity. Please support me.
https://www.chuffed.org/project/185202


Spinach Flatbread (Stuffed Spinach Bread)
Servings: 2 people (can be doubled)
Preparation Time: 45-60 minutes
Baking Time: 20-30 minutes
Ingredients: