Stuffed Grape Leaves with Layla

“I equate food with togetherness.” 

Layla grew up watching her mother make stuffed grape leaves until she made them as an adult with her husband in their first house together. Her preferred way of making them is just like her mom’s - ground beef and rice served with a yogurt dipping sauce. Despite all the work that goes into these beauties, she makes them for nearly every gathering she hosts. Why? Because she loves them and they remind her of home. The entire process takes 4-6 hours; she has been known to put on a movie or show and get to rolling. “I love making them; it’s very relaxing.”  Not only is it fun for her, but it’s a way to take pride in her family’s Egyptian heritage and to make memories with her sons. 

Easter with the family typically involves grape leaves and roasted leg of lamb, with spanakopita, rice, and other sides. We talked about the evolving tradition of these foods, and how Layla loves to adapt to whoever is present at her table. “More than the tradition itself, I want to be sure everyone is welcome to eat at my house.” We discussed the meaning both sets of family have had for her through the years, including this past year when a friend shared a meal with her at Olga’s Kitchen in Michigan when she had to travel to be with her father for emergency surgery. 

Layla is a psychiatrist, so it comes as no surprise that she is extremely intuitive about people. And those who have had the privilege of being close to her have felt her kindness and generosity. We talked in this episode about the challenges of strengthening bonds with the people we love despite social distancing. “Right now that comes in the form of wearing a mask. This is a very strange time because yes, we can share food in these ways, but we can’t have that experience of sitting together, passing the plate. We’re being in community by staying away from each other.”