Stuffed grape leaves with lamb - Arabic recipe

Stuffed grape leaves with lamb - a traditional recipe, full of flavor and aroma! This delicacy is not just a tasty dish but also a culinary story that brings us together, family reunions, and unforgettable moments. Whether you enjoy them on holidays or at a regular meal, stuffed grape leaves are always a reason for joy. Let's discover together how to prepare them step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 500 g grape leaves (preferably from black grapes, more tender)
- 500 g minced lamb (or beef, according to preference)
- 1 cup (about 200 g) rice
- 1 medium onion
- 1 handful of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 handful of chopped fresh mint
- Mixed ground spices (allspice, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom)
- 1 nutmeg (grated)
- 3-4 medium tomatoes
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken Maggi cubes

Step by step instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the grape leaves
Start by blanching the grape leaves. Boil water in a large pot. When the water is boiling, add the grape leaves and let them cook for 2-3 minutes until they become flexible. Remove them with a spatula and place them on a plate to cool.

Helpful tip: If you have fresh grape leaves, make sure to choose the most tender ones, without spots or mold. If using canned grape leaves, rinse them well to remove excess salt.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a non-stick pan, add the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat until golden. This will add a delicious flavor to your filling.

Add the rice to the pan and sauté it together with the onion for 2-3 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the tomatoes, parsley, and mint. Once the rice is well sautéed, add the tomatoes and the chopped greens. Mix well, then add the minced meat, spices, salt, grated nutmeg, and the Maggi cubes.

Tip: You can vary the spices according to your personal taste. For example, adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika can give your filling a special flavor.

Step 3: Wrapping the stuffed leaves
On each grape leaf, place a tablespoon of the rice and meat mixture. Roll the leaf to form a tight roll. Arrange the stuffed leaves in a non-stick pot, on a layer of tomato slices, which will add a fresh taste and prevent sticking.

Frequently asked question: How can I prevent the stuffed leaves from unraveling during cooking? Answer: Use a flat plate, turned upside down, which you place on top of the stuffed leaves to keep them in shape.

Step 4: Cooking the stuffed leaves
After you have arranged all the stuffed leaves in the pot, cover them with another layer of tomato slices and a few slices of lemon. Sprinkle a little salt on top and add hot water until it covers the stuffed leaves by about 1 cm. Put a lid on the pot and let the stuffed leaves simmer on low heat for 50 minutes.

Step 5: Serving
Once the stuffed leaves are cooked, carefully remove them from the pot and place them on a plate. You can serve them warm, alongside a spoonful of yogurt or sour cream for a creamy and refreshing contrast.

Nutritional values
This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. A serving of stuffed leaves provides a balanced mix of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the rice, and vitamins from the vegetables. On average, a serving contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Serving suggestions
Stuffed leaves can be accompanied by a pickled cabbage salad or a fresh green salad, which will add a crunchy contrast. Additionally, a glass of white wine or a mint tea can perfectly complement the meal.

Possible variations
If you want to experiment, you can replace lamb with beef or chicken. You can also add different finely chopped vegetables to the filling, such as carrots or zucchini, for added texture and nutrients.

Personal notes
I fondly remember the moments spent with family when we prepared stuffed leaves together. The aroma of spices and laughter in the kitchen turned every meal into a celebration. This recipe is not just a simple combination of ingredients but a connection between generations, a tradition that continues to live in every home.

In conclusion, stuffed grape leaves with lamb are a savory dish that blends tradition with innovation. I invite you to try them and share this recipe with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!