Stuffed zucchini and grape leaf rolls (Arabic specific)

Stuffed Zucchini and Grape Leaf Rolls

If you are looking for a recipe that combines culinary tradition with Mediterranean flavors, stuffed zucchini and grape leaf rolls are the perfect choice. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also transport you on a culinary journey full of history and tradition. The dish is ideal for family lunches or dinners and can be a true treat on any special occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 1 kg zucchini (about 15 small zucchinis)
- 250 g grape leaves (without tough and coarse veins)
- 3 cups rice (water cup, about 250 ml)
- 300 g lamb or beef (cut into 4-5 mm cubes)
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- allspice, cardamom (a pinch, ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (for color)
- olive oil (4-6 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon mint (fresh or dried, chopped)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic (sliced)
- 4 tomatoes (sliced round, with skin)

Recipe history

Zucchini and grape leaves are common ingredients in many culinary cultures, symbolizing the richness and generosity of the earth. The filling with meat and rice is an ancient tradition that reflects the available resources and the creativity of cooks over time. This dish represents not only food but also a connection with family and community.

Preparing the recipe

1. Preparing the zucchini:
- Wash the zucchini under cold water and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or knife to scoop out the flesh, leaving a margin of about 1 cm. This will allow the filling to expand during cooking.
- Place the stuffed zucchini in a dish and keep them cool until use.

2. Preparing the grape leaves:
- Boil water in a large pot and add the grape leaves, 250 g at a time, to avoid overcrowding. Let them boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove them and place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Repeat until all the leaves are boiled.

3. Preparing the filling:
- Wash the rice under cold water to remove impurities. Place it in warm water and let it soak for 30 minutes.
- After the rice has soaked, drain it well in a colander.
- In a large bowl, add the rice, diced meat, salt, pepper, allspice, cardamom, turmeric, and mint. Mix all the ingredients well by hand, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Finally, add the olive oil and mix again until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

4. Filling the zucchini and grape leaves:
- Fill the zucchini with the meat and rice mixture, leaving a gap of about 2.5-3 cm to allow the rice to expand during cooking.
- For the grape leaf rolls, take a leaf, place a tablespoon of filling at the base of the leaf, fold the edges, and roll tightly. Make sure the filling is well sealed.

5. Assembling the dish:
- In a large pot, arrange half of the sliced tomatoes on the bottom of the pot. Place the stuffed zucchini on top, followed by the grape leaf rolls.
- Place the remaining tomatoes on top and sprinkle with the sliced garlic.
- Add enough water to cover the ingredients, about 2-3 cm.

6. Cooking:
- Season with salt (about 1 heaping teaspoon) and bring to a boil over high heat.
- When the water starts to boil, taste the broth and adjust the salt if necessary.
- Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer slowly for 1.5-2 hours. This slow cooking will allow the flavors to develop and blend perfectly.

7. Serving:
- When the dish is ready, remove it from heat and let it rest for 20 minutes. This will help set the flavors.
- Carefully invert the dish onto a platter. You can serve the stuffed zucchini and grape leaf rolls alongside fresh yogurt, which will add a note of freshness and balance the rich flavors.

Useful tips:

- Choose small, tender zucchinis for better taste and pleasant texture.
- The grape leaves should be soft and green; avoid those that are mature and coarse.
- You can experiment with the filling by adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.
- This dish is delicious the next day too, so don’t hesitate to keep it in the fridge.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken or turkey if you prefer, and for a vegetarian option, replace the meat with mushrooms or chopped vegetables.

2. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! The dish keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. I recommend reheating it slowly to preserve all the flavors.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A fresh lemonade or a dry white wine would be excellent choices. Additionally, a yogurt with mint would perfectly complement the meal.

I encourage you to try this recipe for stuffed zucchini and grape leaf rolls. It is a healthy, tasty, and traditional choice, perfect for bringing family and friends together. Bon appétit!