From Sitto’s Kitchen: Stuffed Cabbage Leaves, a Comforting Lebanese Classic

Each harvest season, making mahshi malfouf—just like Sitto did—keeps this family's culinary heritage alive

To make malfouf mahshi, cabbage leaves are stuffed with warm, spiced lamb and rice, then simmered in a tangy tomato broth until melt-in-your-mouth tender. Courtesy of Julie Ann Sageer

As I gaze out toward my mother’s garden, the light of the autumn sun softly cascades down upon the seasonal spoils, illuminating the trees, making the garden look as if professionally lit by a big Hollywood film crew. But no cameras are rolling today—only the one in my mind. Mother Nature is in full bloom as I prepare for one of my favorite things to do: harvesting the garden!

The author, Julie Ann Sageer. Courtesy of Julie Ann Sageer