Indulge in the traditional flavors of Kosovo with Japrak, a delightful dish of tender grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice and seasoned meat. This beloved Balkan specialty is a culinary masterpiece, combining the tangy essence of grape leaves with the rich textures of rice and meat.

In this recipe, grape leaves are carefully filled and rolled to create neat parcels bursting with flavor. The filling, made with a blend of rice, ground meat (typically beef or lamb), onions, and a medley of spices like mint, parsley, and sometimes dill, adds depth and complexity to every bite.

Once assembled, these parcels are gently simmered in a broth of water and olive oil until the rice is perfectly cooked and the flavors meld together beautifully. The result is a dish that embodies the heartwarming essence of Kosovo's cuisine, offering a taste of tradition and a delightful journey for your palate.

Serve these Kosovo Japrak as a satisfying main course or as part of a festive spread, accompanied by yogurt or a tangy tomato-based sauce. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed solo, this dish promises to be a memorable culinary experience that transports you to the vibrant flavors of Kosovo.

Ingredients

- 1 jar of grape leaves (about 60-70 leaves)

- 1 cup rice, washed and drained

- 300g ground beef or lamb

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (or 1 teaspoon dried mint)

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- Juice of 1 lemon

- Water, as needed

- Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1- Prepare the Grape Leaves:

  - Rinse the grape leaves under cold water to remove excess saltiness from the brine. Place them in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes, then drain and rinse again with cold water. Gently pat dry with paper towels.

2- Make the Filling:

  - In a large mixing bowl, combine the washed rice, ground beef or lamb, chopped onion, olive oil, parsley, mint, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

3- Stuff and Roll the Grape Leaves:

  - Lay a grape leaf flat on a cutting board or clean surface, vein side up. Trim off any tough stems. Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling near the stem end of the leaf (the size of the filling depends on the leaf's size, adjust accordingly). Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll tightly into a cigar shape. Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling.

4- Cook the Japrak:

  - In a large pot, arrange the stuffed grape leaves snugly in layers. Place them seam side down to prevent them from opening during cooking.

  - Pour enough water over the grape leaves to just cover them. Add the lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil over the top.

  - Place a heatproof plate or lid directly on top of the grape leaves to keep them from unraveling while cooking.

  - Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cover and cook for about 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the grape leaves are tender. Check occasionally to make sure there's enough liquid; add more water if needed.

5- Serve:

  - Once cooked, carefully remove the stuffed grape leaves from the pot using a slotted spoon. Arrange them on a serving platter.

  - Serve the Kosovo Japrak warm or at room temperature, accompanied by Greek yogurt if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Kosovo Japrak, a classic dish that's perfect for sharing with family and friends!

Nutritional Values :

Grape Leaves (about 15 leaves):

- Calories:20

- Carbohydrates:4g

- Protein:1g

- Fat:0g

- Fiber:1g

Benefits:

- Rich in antioxidants and vitamin K.

- Supports digestive health.

- May help lower cholesterol levels.

Rice (1 cup, cooked):

- Calories:205

- Carbohydrates:45g

- Protein:4g

- Fat:0g

- Fiber:1g

Benefits:

- Good source of energy.

- Provides essential carbohydrates.

- Contains some protein and fiber.

Ground Beef (lean) (75g):

- Calories:150

- Protein:20g

- Fat:7g

- Saturated Fat:3g

Benefits:

- Excellent source of high-quality protein.

- Provides essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

- Supports muscle growth and repair.

Onion (1 large):

- Calories:60

- Carbohydrates:14g

- Protein:2g

- Fat:0g

- Fiber:3g

Benefits:

- Rich in antioxidants like quercetin.

- Supports heart health.

- May have anti-inflammatory properties.

Olive Oil (3 tablespoons):

- Calories:360

- Fat:41g

- Saturated Fat:6g

Benefits:

- Healthy monounsaturated fats.

- Contains antioxidants.

- Supports cardiovascular health.

Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped):

- Calories:2

- Carbohydrates:0g

- Protein:0g

- Fat:0g

- Fiber:0g

Benefits:

- Good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

- Supports bone health and immune function.

Mint (1 tablespoon, chopped):

- Calories:1

- Carbohydrates:0g

- Protein:0g

- Fat:0g

- Fiber:0g

Benefits:

- Aids digestion and relieves indigestion.

- Contains antioxidants and may have antibacterial properties.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

- Calories:6

- Carbohydrates:1g

- Protein:0g

- Fat:0g

- Fiber:1g

Benefits:

- Contains vitamin A, vitamin E, and antioxidants.

- Supports immune function and skin health.

Lemon Juice (Juice of 1 lemon):

- Calories:12

- Carbohydrates:4g

- Protein:0g

- Fat:0g

- Fiber:0g

Benefits:

- Rich in vitamin C.

- Supports immune function.

- May aid digestion and detoxification.

Total Nutritional Values (Per Serving):

- Calories:Approximately 820 calories per serving

- Carbohydrates:Approximately 68g

- Protein:Approximately 27g

- Fat:Approximately 48g

- Fiber:Approximately 6g

These values are estimated based on standard serving sizes and nutritional information from commonly used ingredients. Adjustments may be needed based on specific brands or variations in preparation. For a more accurate assessment, consider using a nutritional calculator or database based on the exact ingredients and quantities used in your recipe.