By eatmundo · July 12, 2026
🇱🇧AI-generated imageSame ingredients, elsewhere in the world
22 matchesDishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Waraq Enab. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.
Dolmades: Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves with HerbsIn Greece · same ingredients· Same technique70%
Fasolakia Ladera: Greek Green Beans in Tomato SauceIn Greece · same ingredients63%
Biber Dolması (Stuffed Bell Peppers)In Türkiye · same ingredients61%
Delicate vine leaves stuffed with a fragrant blend of rice, herbs, and spices, slow-cooked in olive oil and lemon juice. This vegetarian Lebanese classic is a staple of any meze spread.
According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Waraq Enab from another cuisine is Dolmades (Greece): the two share 70% of their ingredients.
Ingredients
tick what you already have - the rest goes on your shopping listHow to Make It
- 1
Soak 300g of short-grain rice in warm water for 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- 2
Blanch the fresh vine leaves in boiling water for 2 minutes until they turn from bright green to olive.
- 3
Mix the drained rice with the chopped parsley, finely chopped tomatoes, mint and finely chopped onion, 1g black pepper and 8g salt in a large mixing bowl.
- 4
Place one leaf vein-side up, add a teaspoon of filling, and roll tightly like a thin cigar.
- 5
Peel the potato, cut it into 1cm slices and layer them over the bottom of a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning.
- 6
Arrange the rolls tightly in concentric circles, packing them close so they don't unroll.
- 7
Pour a mixture of 100ml olive oil, 100ml lemon juice and 600ml water over the rolls, so the liquid just covers them.
- 8
Place a heavy heat-proof plate on top to weight them down, bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 60 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- 9
Allow to cool completely in the pot before serving to ensure the structure holds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waraq Enab?
Waraq enab is a Lebanese dish consisting of vine leaves rolled and stuffed with a mixture of parsley, tomatoes, mint, onions, and rice, seasoned with olive oil and lemon. It is typically served as a cold appetizer or mezze.
Why are potato slices placed at the bottom of the pot?
This is a vegetarian (bel zeit) version. The potato slices protect the bottom layer of vine leaves from scorching during the long simmer and soak up the lemony cooking liquid.
Should I use short-grain or long-grain rice for the filling?
Use Egyptian or short-grain Calrose rice because it absorbs the lemon cooking liquid better and stays moist without becoming mushy.
How do I prevent the grape leaves from unrolling during cooking?
Pack them tightly in the pot in circular layers and place a heavy heat-proof plate on top to keep them submerged and secure.
What is the best way to substitute fresh grape leaves if they are out of season?
Use jarred, brine-packed grape leaves, but ensure you rinse them thoroughly in warm water to remove the excess salt before rolling.
🇱🇧AI-generated image
