**Unveil the Enchanting Flavors of Stuffed Grape Leaves (Yaprak Sarma): A Culinary Journey Through Diverse Cultures**
Embark on a tantalizing culinary adventure as we delve into the realm of stuffed grape leaves, known as Yaprak Sarma in Turkish cuisine. These delectable morsels, painstakingly crafted by hand, showcase a rich tapestry of flavors and textures, capturing the essence of various cultures across the globe. From the vibrant streets of Istanbul to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, stuffed grape leaves have captivated palates for centuries, earning a cherished spot in culinary traditions.
Our curated collection of stuffed grape leaves recipes offers a symphony of tastes, each recipe embodying the unique culinary heritage of its origin. Discover the classic Turkish Yaprak Sarma, where succulent ground beef, aromatic rice, and a medley of herbs are lovingly wrapped in tender grape leaves, simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. Experience the delightful variations from neighboring regions, such as the zesty Greek Dolmades, featuring a tangy lemon-infused filling, or the hearty Armenian Yaprakh, where minced lamb and pine nuts add a layer of richness.
For those seeking a vegetarian delight, our Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian stuffed grape leaves offer a symphony of flavors, skillfully combining spinach, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs, enveloped in delicate grape leaves. Embark on a culinary odyssey, exploring the diverse world of stuffed grape leaves, where each recipe promises a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience.
GRILLED FETA WRAPPED IN GRAPE LEAVES
This appetizer is the perfect marriage of simplicity and flavor. The wrapped feta comes together so easily, and quickly, and couldn't be more flavorful or impressive to present. The charred, crispy grape leaves are the perfect foil for the warm and tender feta.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories appetizer
Time 1h25m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Whisk the olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, za'atar and Aleppo pepper in a shallow bowl or small baking dish. Add the feta and spoon the oil over the top. Set aside to marinate 1 hour.
- While the cheese marinates, place the grape leaves in a bowl of room-temperature water and let soak.
- Line a small baking sheet with paper towels. Drain the grape leaves and lay in a single layer on the towels; pat very dry. On a clean surface, overlap the grape leaves slightly to form a square. Place the block of feta in the center (reserve the flavored oil), then fold the grape leaves to cover the cheese like a present.
- Preheat a grill to medium high and prepare for indirect grilling: On a charcoal grill, bank the coals to one side; on a gas grill, turn off half the burners. Toast the pita over direct heat, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Brush the outside of the wrapped feta with some of the reserved oil and place on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Cook until the grape leaves are crisp and slightly charred, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and move to direct heat; grill until lightly charred on the second side and the cheese is warmed through, about 3 more minutes. Transfer to a board or platter and serve with the pita, olives, walnuts and/or apricots, plus any remaining flavored oil.
DOLMAS (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES)
The spices may seem like a strange combination, but this is a wonderful, delicate traditional Turkish dish with a twist. Serve chilled, as is traditional, or warm, as desired. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over dolmas before serving.
Provided by WhirledPeas
Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onions until tender. Stir in rice and hot water to cover. Cover and simmer until rice is half cooked, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in tomato paste, currants, pine nuts, cinnamon, mint leaves, dill weed, allspice and cumin. Let mixture cool.
- Prepare a large pot by placing an inverted plate on the bottom; this protects the dolmas from direct heat when steaming.
- Rinse grape leaves in warm water; drain and cut off any stems. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cooled rice mixture in the center of a leaf. Fold in the sides and then roll into a cigar shape. Place in prepared pot. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Pour in just enough warm water to reach the bottom of the first layer of dolmas. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes, or until rice is totally cooked. Check the water level often and add more as necessary.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 207.4 calories, Carbohydrate 39.1 g, Fat 3.8 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 846.7 mg, Sugar 3.9 g
MY OWN FAMOUS STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES
These are grape leaves, stuffed with a tantalizing mixture of rice, fresh dill, mint and lemon. 'Yum' is the only one word to describe these. These can either be a main dish or an appetizer, depending on your appetite. Serve with good crusty bread and a Greek salad, if desired.
Provided by Patti Moschonas
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Fruit
Time 1h40m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, saute the rice, onion, dill, and mint for about 5 minutes, or until onion is soft. Pour in 1 quart of broth, reduce heat to low and simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until rice is almost cooked. Stir in 1/2 of lemon juice and remove from heat.
- Take one leaf, shiny side down, and place 1 teaspoon of the rice mixture at the bottom (stem) end of the leaf. Fold both sides of the leaf towards the center, roll up from the broad bottom to the top, and place into a 4-quart pot. Repeat with all leaves, leaving no gaps as leaves are placed in pot (to prevent from opening while cooking). Sprinkle with remaining lemon juice and with olive oil.
- Pour chicken broth over all to cover grape leaves. Cover pot and simmer for about 1 hour (do not boil, because this will make the stuffing burst out of the leaves). Remove from heat, remove cover and let cool for 1/2 hour. Transfer to serving dish and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 302.6 calories, Carbohydrate 30.9 g, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 3.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 573.2 mg, Sugar 1.2 g
LAMB AND RICE STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES
These lamb and rice stuffed grape leaves (dolmas) take some time and effort to put together, so maybe make a double batch. In restaurants these are usually meatless, but I love the lamb in these. No matter what you use, how much rice you use will affect how much liquid you need.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Wraps and Rolls
Time 1h30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Place ground lamb, rice, 1/4 cups olive oil, mint, currants, pine nuts, salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, and egg in a bowl. Mix together thoroughly with a fork. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Gently unroll and separate grape leaves. Rinse in cold water to remove brine. Drain. Reserve broken or less-than-perfect leaves to line pot.
- Place grape leaves on work surface with smooth side down (ribs of leaves up). Place a rounded tablespoon of lamb-rice filling near bottom-center of grape leaf. Fold bottom sections of leaf over mixture, fold over sides, and roll toward the top of the leaf into a firm cylinder. Don't roll too tightly or leaves may burst when rice cooks.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil into pot; line bottom of pot with 1 or 2 layers of reserved grape leaves. Place dolmas in pot by arranging them along the sides, then working toward the center to cover the bottom. Leave enough space between dolmas to allow for expansion, but close enough to hold their shapes when cooking. If necessary, stack another layer on top of the first so they all fit. Pour in lemon juice and 2 teaspoons olive oil.
- Invert a small plate and then a larger plate over the dolmas to weigh them down while they cook and prevent them from shifting. Pour in hot chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, uncovered, over medium-high heat. As soon as liquid is heated through and starting to bubble (2 to 4 minutes), reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook 35 minutes. Remove plates and check for doneness. Dolmas should look a bit puffed up, and a fork should pierce them easily. If not quite done, continue cooking without the weights: cover the pot and simmer until rice is tender, 10 to 15 minutes longer.
- Serve warm or chilled. Garnish with curls of lemon zest, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 249.9 calories, Carbohydrate 18.1 g, Cholesterol 44.7 mg, Fat 16.1 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 9.8 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 2484.9 mg, Sugar 1.5 g
Tips:
- Choose the right grape leaves: Look for fresh, tender grape leaves that are not too big or too small. If using jarred grape leaves, rinse them thoroughly before using.
- Prepare the grape leaves: If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for a few seconds to soften them. Then, remove the stems and veins.
- Stuff the grape leaves: Place a small amount of filling in the center of each grape leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and then roll it up tightly. Secure the roll with a toothpick.
- Cook the grape leaves: Place the grape leaves in a pot or steamer and cook them until they are tender. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
- Serve the grape leaves: Grape leaves can be served hot or cold. They can be eaten as an appetizer, main course, or side dish.
Conclusion:
Grape leaves are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of dishes. From traditional Middle Eastern dolmas to creative appetizers, there are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking with grape leaves. With a little planning and effort, you can create delicious and impressive dishes that will wow your friends and family.
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