Warak Dawali
Stuffed Grape Leaves
Warak dawali are grape leaves rolled around a lemony, herb-flecked rice filling and simmered slowly over a bed of potatoes until tender. This vegetarian version is a centerpiece of Palestinian celebrations and family gatherings, traditionally served at room temperature with the crisped potatoes revealed when the pot is turned out onto a platter. Do not worry if your rolls come out plump rather than slender, since they taste just as wonderful either way.
Method
Rinse and drain the rice.
Finely chop the parsley, dice the onions, and dice the tomatoes.
In a large bowl, combine the rice, parsley, onions, tomatoes, pomegranate molasses, sumac, allspice, salt, and pepper. Stir in a few tablespoons each of the olive oil and lemon juice.
Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes into thin discs. Oil the bottom of a large pot and line it with a layer of potatoes.
Cut each grape leaf in half, removing the heavy stem and central vein.
Place a scant teaspoon of filling near the base of each leaf half and roll into a thin cigar, folding the sides in toward the center as you go. Don't overfill, as the rice expands a lot when cooked.
Arrange the rolls snugly side by side over the potatoes, fanning them out from the center in layers.
Cover and cook over high heat about 20 minutes, until you hear it boiling.
Add half of the remaining lemon juice and half of the remaining olive oil.
Reduce to low heat, cover, and cook 2 to 2 1/2 hours. About an hour in, add the rest of the oil and lemon juice.
Uncover and raise the heat to medium so the remaining liquid boils off and the potatoes crisp on the bottom.
To serve, invert the whole pot onto a platter so the dish slides out with the crisp potatoes on top. If it doesn't release cleanly it will still be delicious. Serve at room temperature.
Cook’s notes
- Roll the leaves loosely, since the rice expands as it cooks and tightly packed rolls can burst.
- The potato layer keeps the rolls from scorching and crisps into a prized bottom crust.
- Make it ahead, as the flavors deepen and it is meant to be served at room temperature.
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