Stuffed Grape Leaves (Warak Enab)

Warak Enab are tender grape leaves stuffed with a simple rice and beef filling, then cooked in a lemony chicken broth until perfectly soft and flavorful. Warning: they’re seriously addictive!

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 1½ cups Calrose rice (or any short/medium-grain rice)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1½ tsp seven spice (or allspice)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

For the Grape Leaves

• 1 jar grape leaves (454 g dry weight)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 5 lamb chops (optional)
• 1 large potato, peeled and sliced

For the Broth

• ¾ cup lemon juice
• ½ cup olive oil
• 3 cups chicken broth

Instructions

🌿 Prepare the Filling & Grape Leaves

1️⃣ In a medium bowl, combine rice, ground beef, salt, seven spice, black pepper, and cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.

2️⃣ Rinse grape leaves several times under cold water to remove excess salt. Squeeze dry and place on a large tray.

3️⃣ Lay one grape leaf smooth side down. Add 1–2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom center in a log shape.

4️⃣ Roll the bottom over the filling, tuck in the sides, then roll tightly upward. Repeat until all leaves are stuffed.

🍋 Make the Broth

5️⃣ In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, and chicken broth. Set aside.

🍲 Assemble the Pot

6️⃣ Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear lamb chops on both sides for a few minutes. Remove and set aside.

7️⃣ Line the bottom of a large pot (or instant pot) with potato slices, then add the lamb chops.

8️⃣ Tightly layer the stuffed grape leaves on top. Cover with extra unfilled grape leaves if available.

9️⃣ Place a heat-safe plate (or metal rack for instant pot) on top to keep rolls in place. Pour broth evenly over the grape leaves.

🔥 Cooking Methods

🔟 Stove-Top Method:

• Bring to a boil on high heat for 10 minutes
• Reduce to medium-high, cover, and cook for 1 hour 30 minutes
• Check tenderness; if needed, cook another 30 minutes, adding water if liquid reduces too much

🔟 Instant Pot Method:

• Pressure cook on high for 30 minutes
• Release pressure, remove rack, and let cool 10 minutes
• Drain excess liquid if needed

🍽️ To Serve

1️⃣1️⃣ Place a large serving tray over the pot and carefully flip it over using oven mitts.
1️⃣2️⃣ Remove the pot to reveal the grape leaves with potatoes and lamb on top.
1️⃣3️⃣ Serve hot with extra broth on the side and yogurt if desired. Enjoy!