Waraq Enab bil Lahmeh — Idlib Style with Yogurt-Mint
Grape leaves rolled around rice and beef and simmered with garlic, served the Idlib way — crowned with tender boiled meat and a cool cup of yogurt whisked with mint on the side.
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Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 1 kg Grape leaves
- 500 g Rice
- 1 kg Beef
- 1 head Garlic (for cooking)
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Plain yogurt
- 1 pinch Dried mint
- 1 pinch Salt (for the yogurt)
Instructions
- If using fresh leaves, boil them briefly in water with a little salt until pliable; if jarred, rinse well.
- Mix the rice with about half the beef (finely chopped or ground), salt, and pepper to make the filling.
- Place a little filling on each leaf, fold the sides, and roll tightly into a slim cigar. Repeat.
- Layer the rolls snugly in a heavy pot, tucking whole garlic cloves and the remaining beef pieces among them.
- Add water to just cover, weight the rolls with an inverted plate, and simmer gently for about 90 minutes until the rice is tender and the meat is soft.
- For the sauce: whisk the cup of yogurt with a pinch of dried mint and a pinch of salt.
- Serve the rolls hot, topped with the boiled meat, with the yogurt-mint on the side.
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Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waraq Enab bil Lahmeh — Idlib Style with Yogurt-Mint?
Grape leaves rolled around rice and beef and simmered with garlic, served the Idlib way — crowned with tender boiled meat and a cool cup of yogurt whisked with mint on the side.
Where is Waraq Enab bil Lahmeh — Idlib Style with Yogurt-Mint from?
Waraq Enab bil Lahmeh — Idlib Style with Yogurt-Mint comes from Idlib Syrian. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Waraq Enab bil Lahmeh — Idlib Style with Yogurt-Mint vegetarian?
No — as written, Waraq Enab bil Lahmeh — Idlib Style with Yogurt-Mint includes meat, fish, or meat-based stock, so it is not vegetarian. See the ingredient list for the specific ingredients used.
What can I use instead of dried mint in Waraq Enab bil Lahmeh — Idlib Style with Yogurt-Mint?
The dried mint called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Waraq Enab bil Lahmeh — Idlib Style with Yogurt-Mint its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Waraq Enab bil Lahmeh — Idlib Style with Yogurt-Mint?
In a Syrian mains spread, Waraq Enab bil Lahmeh — Idlib Style with Yogurt-Mint is typically served with rice or warm flatbread, a simple salad such as fattoush or tabbouleh, and pickles or yogurt on the side.
Can I make Waraq Enab bil Lahmeh — Idlib Style with Yogurt-Mint ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Yes — leftovers keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently (or bring to room temperature for cold dishes) and taste to adjust seasoning before serving. Dishes with fresh herbs or dressing are freshest the day they are made.