Stuffed Grape Leaves
Tender grape leaves are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and fresh herbs. These classic dolmades are gently simmered in a light lemon broth until perfectly cooked, making a delicious appetizer or main course.
Una recepta original de Forkin
- Temps total
- 1 h 45 min
- Racions
- 4
- Dificultat
- Mitjana
Preparació prèvia
Llista d’ingredients
rolling
- 45 ujarred grape leaf, rinsed and separated
lining
- 5 ujarred grape leaf, rinsed, for lining pot (can be torn or imperfect)
filling
- 450 gground beef
- 100 glong-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 uyellow onion, finely chopped
- 15 gfresh parsley, chopped
- 7 gfresh mint, chopped
- 2 csolive oil
- 1,5 ctsalt
- 0,5 ctblack pepper, freshly ground
cooking liquid
- 480 mlwater
- 60 mllemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 csolive oil
garnish
- 1 ulemon, cut into wedges, for serving(opcional)
Estris
heatproof plate · large heavy-bottomed pot with lid · large bowl · cutting board · knife
Elaboració
Pas a pas
- 1
Gently rinse all the grape leaves under cool water to remove the brine. Carefully separate them to avoid tearing and set aside.
Uns 5 min
Nota de cuina: If you find some leaves are torn, set them aside to use for lining the pot.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, parsley, mint, salt, black pepper, and the olive oil designated for the filling.
Uns 5 min
- 3
Mix the filling ingredients thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
Uns 2 min
Nota de cuina: Don't overmix, or the meat can become tough. Just mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- 4
Lay a grape leaf on your work surface, shiny-side down and stem-end towards you. Place about a tablespoon of the filling near the stem end.
Uns 1 min
- 5
Fold the bottom of the leaf up over the filling, then fold in both sides, and roll it up tightly into a small cylinder.
Uns 30 min
Nota de cuina: Roll snugly but not too tightly, as the rice will expand during cooking.
- 6
Line the bottom of a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with the reserved pot-lining grape leaves.
Uns 1 min
Nota de cuina: This prevents the stuffed leaves from sticking to the bottom and scorching.
- 7
Arrange the rolled grape leaves snugly in the pot, seam-side down. You can stack them in layers if necessary.
Uns 1 min
Nota de cuina: Packing them closely helps them keep their shape while cooking.
- 8
Pour the lemon juice and the remaining olive oil over the rolls. Add enough water to come about halfway up the sides of the dolmades.
Uns 1 min
- 9
Place a small, heatproof inverted plate on top of the rolls to keep them submerged. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Uns 4 min
- 10
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 50 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the leaves are tender.
Uns 50 min
Nota de cuina: Check occasionally to ensure there is still liquid in the pot; add a splash more hot water if it looks dry.
- 11
Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Uns 10 min
Nota de cuina: This allows the flavors to meld and the rolls to firm up slightly.
- 12
Serve the stuffed grape leaves warm or at room temperature, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Conservació
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave.