Stuffed Grape Leaves
Grape leaves stuffed with a savory blend of rice and spices offer a delightful culinary experience. These tender, flavorful parcels are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual dinners. With a tangy tomato sauce and bright lemon juice, each bite is a burst of flavor that brings comfort and joy. Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to share love and laughter around the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 jar (16 oz) grape leaves
- 1 cup short-grain rice
- 1/2 lb ground meat (lamb or beef) or 1 cup lentils (cooked)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Soak grape leaves in hot water for about 5 minutes to soften.
- In a mixing bowl, combine rice, ground meat or lentils, parsley, dill, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Lay a grape leaf vein side up; place a tablespoon of filling near the stem end. Fold the sides over and roll tightly from stem to tip.
- Arrange rolls seam side down in a pot lined with leftover leaves or potatoes.
- Pour tomato sauce mixed with water over the rolls until just covered. Cover and simmer on low for about 45 minutes.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra lemon juice if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed grape leaves (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg