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My husband really likes to celebrate holidays, and this year he made yarpagi, a traditional dish of the Mountain Jews. It’s nothing like I’ve ever tried before, with tender lettuce rolls filled with a flavorful mix of ground beef, onions, rice, and herbs. The cherry plum sauce adds a tangy depth, making it perfect for any festive occasion. The process involves wrapping seasoned meatballs in lettuce leaves, simmering them gently, and finishing with a unique...
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Cut onion into small pieces.
Mix ground beef with onions, rice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
Divide the mixture into small balls with a diameter of approximately 6–8 cm.
Wash lettuce and carefully remove the stalk.
Add the whole lettuce to boiling salted water and cook for 10–15 minutes.
Remove lettuce, disassemble it into leaves, and set aside.
Place a meatball onto each lettuce leaf and wrap it tightly.
Arrange the lettuce rolls in a circle in several layers in a big pot.
Pour boiled water to the very top of the lettuce rolls and cook for about 1 hour, skimming foam from the surface as needed.
Place cherry plums in a bowl, add 1 liter of water, and cook for 1 hour.
Add 0.5 liters of cold water, 1 tablespoon of salt, and cool the mixture.
Thoroughly knead the cherry plums with your hands to separate the seeds from the pulp and create a liquid sauce.
Pour the cherry plum sauce into the pot with lettuce rolls.
Cook the lettuce rolls for another 30–40 minutes.
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If you can't find dried cherry plums, substitute with dried sour cherries or tamarind paste for a similar tangy flavor.
Make sure to wrap the lettuce rolls tightly to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.
Skimming foam from the surface ensures a clear and clean broth.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Ice lettuce is recommended for its sturdy leaves, but you can substitute with cabbage or Swiss chard if needed.
What can I serve with Yarpagi?
Yarpagi is traditionally served with boiled rice, but you can also pair it with flatbread or roasted vegetables.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Can I make the cherry plum sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Is this dish suitable for Passover?
Yes, Yarpagi is a great dish for Passover as it uses ingredients that comply with dietary restrictions during the holiday.
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