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Keto Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves (Warak Enab)

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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, Lebanese
Calories 51 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker
  • Instant Pot Mesh Steamer Basket Optional
  • Optional: Large dutch oven (stovetop method). See cooking notes above.

Ingredients
  

Filling

  • 750 grams Ground Beef
  • 500 grams Frozen Cauliflower Rice Steamed and Drained.
  • 1 jar Grape Leaves 400g Drained Weight, Stems Trimmed. Recipe uses approx. 2/3 of jar.
  • 150 grams Diced White Onions
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 3 tsp Lebanese 7 Spice Or All Spice.
  • 2 tsp Sumac
  • 1 tsp Dried Mint
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp Turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
  • 3-4 cups Chicken Broth Or Water.

Broth

  • 6 cups Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth or Water
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil
  • 3 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • Juice of 1 Lemon
  • 1/2 Sliced White Onion
  • 2-3 Sliced Tomatoes

Instructions
 

  • To start, steam the cauliflower in the microwave according to the package directions. Allow to cool and squeeze out excess moisture with a kitchen towel.
  • Prepare the filling by mixing together all of the filling ingredients - cauliflower rice, ground beef, diced white onions, tomato paste and spices.
  • Separate and lay the grape leaves flat and cut off the stem.
  • Add about 1-2 tbsp of the mixture to the grape leaf (depending on the size of the grape leaf) and roll tightly (like a burrito!).
  • Method 1 (Without Steam Basket): Layer the bottom of the pot with some oil and a few grape leaves to prevent the stuffed grape leaves from burning.
    Method 2 (With Steam Basket) Preferred Method: Place a few grape leaves on the steam basket.
  • Arrange the grape leaves in the pot tightly, filling the bottom of the pot (or steam basket). Top the row with sliced tomatoes and onions. Repeat layering the stuffed grape leaves in the opposite direction. Repeat until complete.
  • Mix the chicken broth, tomato paste, olive oil and lemon juice. Pour mixture over the stuffed grape leaves.
  • Top the stuffed grape leaves with a plate. This will secure the grape leaves and keep them from unraveling during the cooking process.
  • Set the instant pot to high pressure and cook for 25 minutes. Once the grape leaves are done cooking, allow for a natural release, approx. 15 minutes.
  • Removing the Stuffed Grape Leaves:
    Method 1 (Without Steam Basket): If you have a silicone oven mitt (waterproof and heat proof) - Hold the plate tightly to the grape leaves, strain the liquid from the pot, being careful not to drop any grape leaves.
    Method 2 (With Steam Basket) (Preferred Method): Carefully lift the basket with the dolmades to strain the liquid. Remove from the instant pot and set aside.
    Method 3: Use tongs to remove the grape leaves. Be very careful with this method as the stuffed grape leaves are more unlikely to unroll.
  • Let the grape leaves sit for 15-20 minutes to set and slightly cool so that they do not unravel when eating.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition Information: Per Grape Leaf (Makes Approx. 52)
  • 51 Calories
  • 1.6 Carbohydrates
  • 0.8g Fiber
  • 3.5g Fat 
  • 3.7g Protein 
Net Carbs: 0.8g / Grape Leaves