Indulge in the flavors of Jordan with Warak Enab, a traditional dish featuring tender grape leaves filled with a tantalizing blend of rice, tomatoes, onions, and aromatic herbs. Slow-cooked to perfection in a tangy sauce, each bite offers a burst of Middle Eastern essence, bringing warmth and richness to your table. Experience the culinary heritage of Jordan in every savory mouthful of these exquisite stuffed grape leaves.

Ingredients:

For the stuffed grape leaves:

 - 1 jar of grape leaves, rinsed and drained

 - 1 cup of long-grain rice, rinsed

 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped

 - 2 tomatoes, finely diced

 - 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped

 - 2 tablespoons of fresh mint, chopped

 - 2 cloves of garlic, minced

 - 1/4 cup of olive oil

 - Salt and pepper to taste

For the tangy sauce:

 - 2 cups of water

 - 1/4 cup of lemon juice

 - 2 tablespoons of olive oil

 - 1 tablespoon of tomato paste

 - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1- Prepare the grape leaves by rinsing them thoroughly under cold water to remove any brine or excess salt. Drain and set aside.

2- In a mixing bowl, combine the rice, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, parsley, mint, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

3- Take one grape leaf at a time and place it flat on a clean surface, vein side up. Trim any tough stems if necessary. Spoon about a tablespoon of the rice mixture onto the center of the leaf.

4- Fold the bottom edge of the leaf over the filling, then fold the sides inward, and roll tightly to form a neat cylinder. Repeat this process with the remaining grape leaves and rice mixture.

5- Arrange the stuffed grape leaves in a large pot, seam side down, packing them tightly together to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.

6- In a separate bowl, prepare the tangy sauce by mixing together water, lemon juice, olive oil, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the stuffed grape leaves in the pot.

7- Place a heatproof plate or a layer of grape leaves on top of the stuffed leaves to weigh them down and keep them submerged in the sauce.

8- Cover the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let the stuffed grape leaves cook for about 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the leaves are cooked through.

9- Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let the stuffed grape leaves cool slightly before serving.

10- Serve the Warak Enab warm or at room temperature, drizzled with some of the tangy sauce from the pot. Enjoy the delicious flavors of Jordanian cuisine!

Nutritional Values :

Here’s the nutritional breakdown and benefits for the ingredients in your stuffed grape leaves recipe:

For the Stuffed Grape Leaves:

Grape Leaves (1 jar, rinsed and drained):

  - Calories: Approximately 50 (for 10 leaves)

  - Fat: 0.5 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 10 grams

  - Protein: 1 gram

Benefits: Low in calories, high in fiber, and provides some vitamins and minerals. Supports digestion and adds a unique flavor.

Long-Grain Rice (1 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 200

  - Fat: 0.4 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 45 grams

  - Protein: 4 grams

Benefits: Provides energy through carbohydrates and offers some protein.

Onion (1 medium, finely chopped):

  - Calories: Approximately 45

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 11 grams

  - Protein: 1 gram

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and compounds that support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Tomatoes (2, finely diced):

  - Calories: Approximately 44

  - Fat: 0.4 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 10 grams

  - Protein: 2 grams

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, and antioxidants like lycopene. Supports heart health and skin health.

Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped):

  - Calories: Approximately 5

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Protein: 0.5 grams

Benefits: Provides vitamins A, C, and K, adds freshness, and supports overall health.

Fresh Mint (2 tablespoons, chopped):

  - Calories: Approximately 6

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Protein: 0.3 grams

Benefits: Adds flavor and freshness, supports digestion, and may have soothing properties.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

  - Calories: Approximately 10

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 2 grams

  - Protein: 0.5 grams

Benefits: Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, boosts the immune system, and supports cardiovascular health.

Olive Oil (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 480

  - Fat: 56 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Supports heart health and adds richness.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Salt helps maintain fluid balance, while pepper adds additional flavor and may have antioxidant properties.

For the Tangy Sauce:

Water (2 cups):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Used as a base for the sauce, does not contribute calories or nutrients.

Lemon Juice (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 12

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 3 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Adds tangy flavor and vitamin C, supports immune function.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: Approximately 240

  - Fat: 28 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Provides healthy fats and supports heart health.

Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: Approximately 15

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 4 grams

  - Protein: 0.5 grams

Benefits: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and some antioxidants.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Enhances flavor and helps maintain fluid balance.

These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on factors such as variety, ripeness, and cooking methods.