Stuffed Grape Leaf Cake
Layer grape leaves and a spiced beef and rice filling in a pan, simmer with a tomato sauce over low heat for about an hour, then flip and slice. Each of the six slices has 376 kcal and 14.6 g of protein.
- Protein · 100 g
- ≈5 g
- Energy · 100 g
- ≈129 kcal
- Total
- 1 h
- Makes
- 6 slices
Per serving (1 slice (1/6)): 14.6 g protein · 376 kcal
An easy route to the flavor of Turkish stuffed grape leaves (sarma) without rolling each one. Leaves and a meaty rice filling are stacked in layers, cooked in the pot, then turned out and sliced like a cake. The rice cooks through beautifully, making it a great dish for a crowd or for anyone short on rolling time.
Method
In a deep bowl, mix the raw ground beef, finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, rice, olive oil, tomato paste, pomegranate molasses and all the spices until well combined.
Line the base of a springform pan or pot with a round of parchment paper.
Arrange grape leaves over the base and up the sides, letting them hang over the edges.
Add the filling and more leaves in alternating layers, making 3–4 layers depending on the depth of the pan and leaving room at the top for the rice to swell.
Close the top completely with leaves, folding the overhanging ones inward.
Make the sauce by mixing the water, tomato paste, olive oil, sumac and lemon juice.
Poke a few holes in the top with a toothpick, then pour the sauce and a little olive oil over it.
Cook over low heat for about 1 hour.
Let it cool to room temperature, invert onto a serving plate, peel off the parchment and slice.
Nutrition declaration
Each serving (1 slice (1/6)) contains:
- Energy1573 kJ376 kcal19%
- Fat11 g16%
- of which saturates2.7 g14%
- of which sugars9.2 g10%
- Salt2.6 g43%
of an adult’s reference intake.
| Typical values | Per 100 g | Per serving1 slice (1/6) | %RI**per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 540 kJ 129 kcal | 1573 kJ 376 kcal | 19% |
| Fat | 3.8 g | 11 g | 16% |
| of which saturates | 0.9 g | 2.7 g | 14% |
| Carbohydrate | 19 g | 55 g | 21% |
| of which sugars | 3.2 g | 9.2 g | 10% |
| Fibre | 1.5 g | 4.5 g | |
| Protein | 5.0 g | 15 g | 29% |
| Salt | 0.89 g | 2.6 g | 43% |
* Estimated from the ingredient amounts; not stated in the source.
** Reference intake of an average adult (8400 kJ / 2000 kcal).
Per-100 g values are calculated from the estimated weight of the finished dish (~1750 g).
Tips
- Keep the heat low from the very start; in the video it began on high and the bottom layers burned.
- Large leaves make the layering much easier.
- Lemon juice can stand in for pomegranate molasses if you prefer that kind of tang.
FAQ
How do you turn the cake out?
Let it cool to room temperature, place a serving plate on top and flip it in one go, then peel off the parchment from the base.
Does the rice cook through when layered?
Yes. About an hour over low heat cooks the rice fully; its texture was a highlight in the video.
