Syrian Yabraq with Garlic, Lemon, and Tender Grape Leaves
Tender grape leaves stuffed with fragrant garlic and lemon, simmered in a savory broth in about 60 minutes.
About This Recipe
Yabraq is a beautifully fragrant dish featuring tender grape leaves stuffed with garlic and fresh lemon. The key is to simmer them gently until the rice is fluffy and the flavors meld perfectly.
Yabraq, or stuffed grape leaves, is a classic dish in Syrian cuisine. The tender leaves cradle a delicious filling of rice, garlic, and herbs, all brightened by lemon juice.
This method of rolling and simmering keeps the leaves moist and flavorful. Keep an eye on the pot to ensure the broth doesn’t boil too vigorously, which could break the leaves apart.
You can expect a contrast of textures here: the soft, tender grape leaves encasing a fragrant, slightly chewy rice filling. A common pitfall is overfilling the leaves, which can lead to bursting during cooking.
Serve Yabraq warm with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad. A drizzle of olive oil elevates the dish beautifully.
Why This Recipe Works
Grape Leaves Stay Tender: Slow simmering in broth allows the leaves to soften without falling apart.
Flavor Infusion: The rice absorbs the zesty lemon and garlic flavors as it cooks, creating a harmonious filling.
Chef's Pro Tip: If you have leftover filling, you can cook it separately in the broth for a tasty side dish.
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
60 min
Servings
Ingredients
Handy tools while you cook
Directions
- 1
In a large bowl, mix the rice, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- 2
Lay a grape leaf flat, add a spoonful of the filling, and roll it tightly, folding in the sides.
- 3
Repeat until all leaves are filled. Arrange them seam-side down in a large pot.
- 4
Pour vegetable broth over the stuffed leaves, cover with a plate to keep them submerged.
- 5
Simmer on low heat for about 40 minutes until the rice is cooked and the leaves are tender.
- 6
Let them cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with extra lemon juice if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
fat
5g
carbs
54g
fiber
3g
sodium
600mg
protein
6g
calories
300
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