Recipe of Stuffed Grape Leaves

Ingredients

• 1 cup grape leaves, preserved in brine
• 1 cup rice, washed and drained
• 1/2 lb ground lamb or beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Plain yogurt for serving

Directions

1. 1

   Rinse grape leaves under cold water and blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. 2

   In a bowl, mix rice, ground meat, chopped onion, diced tomato, pine nuts, fresh mint, fresh parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. 3

   Place a grape leaf flat on a surface, shiny side down. Put a spoonful of the rice mixture in the center and fold the sides over the filling, rolling tightly.

4. 4

   Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling.

5. 5

   Arrange the stuffed grape leaves in a pot, layering them tightly.

6. 6

   Pour enough water to cover the dolma and place a plate on top to keep them submerged.

7. 7

   Simmer over low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the rice is cooked.

8. 8

   Serve the dolma with a side of plain yogurt. Enjoy!