Yalonchee Yaprakh(Lenten Dish; Spinach And Grape Leaves)
Yalonchee Yaprakh is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring tender grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice, spinach, and herbs, perfect for vegetarians and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute minced onions and garlic in hot oil until slightly browned.
- Add rice, thawed spinach, and chopped parsley to the onions and garlic. Saute for 3 minutes.
- Blend in tomato paste and spices. Allow the mixture to cool.
- Roll the rice mixture in grape leaves and arrange in layers in a pot.
- Add lemon juice to 3 cups of water and pour over the grape leaves.
- Place a heavy plate on top of the grape leaves to keep them submerged.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until rice is cooked.
- Drain excess water from the dish.
- Serve hot or cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water when adding the lemon juice. If you don't have grape leaves, Swiss chard or collard greens can be used as a substitute. Make sure to rinse the grape leaves thoroughly to remove excess salt. To save time, pre-cook the rice slightly before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Yalonchee Yaprakh hot or cold as a light meal or appetizer. It pairs beautifully with a side of Green Rice Salad for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with additional lemon wedges for an extra zing. This dish also complements Mediterranean recipes, making it a great addition to a larger feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the Yalonchee Yaprakh in a covered pot on low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yalonchee Yaprakh(Lenten Dish; Spinach And Grape Leaves) contains roughly 949 calories, with 14g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (130% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), and potassium (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1724mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just wilt it in a pan before adding it to the mixture. Use about 10 ounces of fresh spinach, as it cooks down significantly compared to frozen. This will add a fresh flavor to your Yalonchee Yaprakh.
What if I can't find grape leaves?
If grape leaves are unavailable, you can substitute them with other leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens. Just ensure they are large enough to hold the filling and adjust the cooking time as needed, since different greens may require different cooking times.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Yalonchee Yaprakh can be made a day in advance. Just follow the recipe, then refrigerate it once it cools. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it a delicious option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).