Yalanji
Yalanji, which means liar or fake in Turkish, is the vegetarian version of stuffed grape leaves, named this way because it visually mimics the meat version without containing any. The recipe reflects traditional Syrian dietary practices tied to religious fasting periods, both Christian and Muslim, when meat was avoided but meals still needed to be nourishing and filling. Unlike the meat version, which is usually served warm, yalanji is served cold or at room temperature, with plenty of olive oil and lemon juice, making it suitable as a summer appetizer or part of a mezze platter. The fresh mint in the filling sets it apart aromatically from its meat-filled cousins, which typically use only parsley and dill.
Grape leaves
Pickled vine leaves, tightly rolled into small parcels.
Meatless filling
Rice with tomatoes, onion, mint and parsley, no meat.
Lemon juice
Served cold, generously drizzled with lemon.
Ramadan food
A traditional dish served at iftar and religious occasions.
Ingredients 4 servings
- 40 pickled grape leaves
- 300g medium-grain rice
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped
- 1 bunch fresh mint, chopped
- 100ml olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Salt, pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
How to make it
- 1PREPARE LEAVES: Rinse the pickled grape leaves in cold water to remove excess salt, then drain.
- 2MAKE FILLING: Mix the raw rice with the diced tomatoes, onion, parsley, mint, paprika, half the oil, salt and pepper.
- 3FILL LEAVES: Place a spoonful of filling on each grape leaf, at its base near the stem.
- 4ROLL: Fold the side edges over the filling and roll tightly toward the tip, forming a compact parcel.
- 5LAYER IN POT: Line the bottom of a pot with torn grape leaves or scraps, then arrange the rolls tightly in layers.
- 6SIMMER: Pour in the remaining oil, lemon juice and enough water to cover, place a plate on top for weight, simmer for 45 minutes on low heat.
- 7COOL AND SERVE: Let cool completely, then serve cold or at room temperature, with extra lemon on the side.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
