Ramadan Recipe: Grape Leaves Casserole
Stuffed grape leaves come from the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, loved by all. However, it typically requires hours of preparation. To save time, this casserole has been designed to deliver the same delightful flavors as stuffed grape leaves, but without the long hours spent in the kitchen.
This recipe was crafted by our esteemed culinary advisor, Chef Sarah.
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Ingredients of Grape Leaves Casserole
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- 40 Minutes
- 6 Serving
- 200 Calories
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups grape leaves, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 4 cups hot water
- 1 tbsp salt, adjust to taste
- ¼ tbsp black pepper
- 2 chicken stock cubes
First Step
- 2 cups short grain rice, soaked and washed
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice, adjust to taste
Second Step
- 3 cups fresh yogurt
- ¼ cup tahini
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
Topping Sauce
- Fried pita bread
- Chopped parsley
- Pomegranate seeds
- Toasted pine nuts
Garnish
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Method & Directions of Grape Leaves Casserole
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- 30 Minutes
- Wash and Soak the Rice
تم نسخ الرابطThe first step is to wash your rice and soak it in hot water. Do this at the very beginning because you want your rice to soak for as long as possible.
- Prepare the Frist Part of Your Casserole
تم نسخ الرابطPlace a large cooking pot over medium-high heat and add olive oil with the chopped onions and garlic paste. Sauté for a few minutes then add in the tomato paste, the chopped grape leaves with the pomegranate molasses, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Sauté again for a couple of minutes then add in the hot water with the chicken stock cubes. Cover your pot, turn down your heat, and let everything simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook the Rice
تم نسخ الرابطAfter simmering for 15 minutes, add the rice, parsley, mint, and lemon juice to the pot. Stir everything well and cook the rice. This may take 10 to 15 minutes.
- Make Your Topping
تم نسخ الرابطWhile this is optional, you can enjoy the casserole without it. Many people like to make a yogurt-based sauce to go with the Grape Leaves Casserole. All you need is to whisk yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, and crushed garlic, and add salt to taste. This sauce should be thick.
- Assemble the Casserole
تم نسخ الرابطOnce your rice is cooked and ready – pour it into a casserole dish and even it out. Pour the yogurt and tahini sauce on it, and garnish with pomegranate seeds, toasted pine nuts, and fried pita bread.
Be sure to stir the rice every few minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
This casserole can be enjoyed hot, warm, or at room temperature.