Warak Einab (Stuffed Vine Leaves)

2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 carrots, grated
5 tomatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups rice
1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh coriander, finely chopped
salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup sunflower oil
1 pound vine leaves

Mix the vegetables, rice and herbs. Add the lemon juice and some of the oil. With a sharp knife, remove stalks of vine leaves and reserve. Spread each vine leaf on a smooth surface, shiny side facing down. Place a pencil-thin amount of the vegetable mixture in each leaf. Fold in the right and left sides and roll up tightly.

Put the vine stalks in a pot and place the stuffed vine leaves closely packed on top. Cover with salted water and the remaining oil. Cover and simmer gently over a moderate heat for 30 minutes. Remove vine leaves from pot and place on a platter.

- recipe courtesy Robert and Carolyn Black,
Trans World Travel Writers