In the realm of culinary delights, Grape Leaves Stuffed with Rice, Dill, and Walnuts stand as a testament to the harmonious fusion of flavors and textures. Originating from the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, this dish has captivated taste buds for centuries. Each bite offers a tantalizing journey through a symphony of flavors, where the tangy grape leaves embrace a savory filling of fluffy rice, aromatic dill, and crunchy walnuts. Accompanied by a zesty lemon-based sauce, these stuffed grape leaves transform into a delightful symphony of flavors, perfect for any occasion. This article presents a curated collection of recipes that explore the diverse variations of this beloved dish, taking you on a culinary adventure across cultures and cuisines. From the classic Greek recipe passed down through generations to the innovative vegetarian and vegan interpretations, each recipe unveils a unique tapestry of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Let's cook with our recipes!
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
DOLMATHAKIA (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES WITH RICE AND HERBS)
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Rinse the leaves well to remove brine.
- Place the leaves in boiling water and boil for 3 to 5 minutes to soften them and make them more pliable. Remove from water and set aside.
- In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, heat 1/2 cup olive oil. Sauté the onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, parsley, dill, pine nuts, mint, salt, and pepper. Taste test and adjust the seasoning as desired.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Allow the filling to cool about 10 minutes.
- Line the bottom of a heavy saucepan with 2 or 3 grape leaves (use the broken or torn ones for this).
- Roll the dolmathakia by placing a leaf with the stem toward you on a flat surface. The underside of the leaf should be face up. (The veins of the leaf are raised on the underside.) Using the point of a sharp paring knife, cut out the stem of the leaf. Overlap the bottom two sections of the leaf toward the center.
- Place a tablespoon of filling in the bottom center of the leaf, just above the stem.
- Fold the bottom section up to cover the filling.
- Fold the sides in toward the center.
- Continue rolling the packet up toward the top point of the leaf.
- Place the rolls in layers, seam-side down, in the saucepan.
- Pour remaining 1/2 cup olive oil over the dolmathakia and enough water to cover them by about 1 inch.
- Place an inverted heatproof plate on top of the rolls to keep them submerged in the water.
- Cover the saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the leaves are tender and the rice filling is cooked through.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 62 kcal, Carbohydrate 5 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 270 mg, Sugar 1 g, Fat 5 g, ServingSize About 50 Pieces (50 Servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
GRAPE LEAVES STUFFED WITH DILL-SCENTED RICE
Categories Herb Rice Appetizer Vegetarian Buffet Healthy Vegan Bon Appétit Kidney Friendly Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes About 24
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions; sauté until translucent, about 7 minutes. Stir in rice, lemon juice, parsley, dill and 1 cup hot water. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer until rice is partially cooked and no liquid remains, stirring occasionally, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Cover bottom of heavy large wide saucepan with some grape leaves. Place 1 large grape leaf on work surface. Spoon scant 1/4 cup rice mixture in center at widest part of leaf. Fold bottom of leaf over. Fold sides in. Roll up. Place seam side down in pan. Repeat filling and rolling with remaining rice filling and grape leaves, stacking filled leaves atop one another in pan if necessary. Pour enough hot water over just to cover. Place heavy large heatproof plate over stuffed grape leaves. Cover.
- Simmer over medium-low heat until leaves are tender and rice is cooked through, about 1 hour. Using slotted spoon, transfer stuffed grape leaves to platter. Serve warm or cold with yogurt and lemon wedges.
RICE-STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES
Provided by Food Network
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a small bowl combine raisins and wine. Leave to soak 30 minutes or until plump. In a large saucepan of boiling water scald 36 grape leaves in batches. Using a slotted spoon, remove leaves, then plunge them into a bowl of ice-water. When cool enough to handle, cut off stems. Pat leaves dry and place shiny-side down on paper towels while you prepare filling.
- In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add scallions and parsley; saute 5 minutes, stirring until very tender. Stir in rice, dill, pine nuts, and soaked raisins and their liquid. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Saute, stirring frequently, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In center of grape leaf place 1 teaspoon of rice mixture and fold sides over; roll up into a tight cylinder. Repeat with remaining leaves. In bottom of a large casserole, arrange a single layer of stuffed leaves; sprinkle with the juice of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Arrange a second layer of stuffed leaves on top and sprinkle with remaining lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of oil. Pour chicken broth, remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, and enough cold water to cover, over stuffed leaves. Top with a weighted heat-proof plate to submerge stuffed leaves. Bring casserole to a simmer over medium heat, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 50 minutes. Cool stuffed leaves to room temperature in liquid. Drain and serve or refrigerate and serve cold.
GRAPE LEAVES STUFFED WITH RICE, RAISINS, AND PINE NUTS
Steps:
- If using grape leaves preserved in brine, remove the salt by putting them in a bowl and pouring boiling water over them. Make sure that the water penetrates well between the layers. Leave them to soak for 20 minutes, then rinse in fresh, cold water and drain. If using fresh leaves, plunge a few at a time in boiling water for a couple of seconds only, until they become limp, then lift them out. Cut off and discard the stalks.
- For the filling, fry the onions in 3 tablespoons of the oil until soft. Add the pine nuts and stir until they are golden. Stir in the tomato paste, then add all the rest of the ingredients down to and including the chopped dill. Mix well.
- On a plate, place the first leaf, vein side up, with the stem end facing you. Put one heaped teaspoonful of filling in the center of the leaf near the stem end. Fold that end up over the filling, then fold both sides toward the middle and roll up like a small cigar. Squeeze the filled roll lightly in the palm of your hand. Fill the rest of the leaves in the same way. This process will become very easy after you have rolled a few.
- Line the bottom of a large, heavy-bottomed pan with tomato slices and any leftover, torn, or imperfect grape leaves, then pack the stuffed grape leaves tightly on top.
- Mix the remaining olive oil with 2/3 cup water, add the sugar and lemon juice, and pour over the stuffed leaves. Put a small plate on top of the leaves to prevent them from unrolling, cover the pan, and simmer very gently for about 1 hour, until the rolls are thoroughly cooked, adding more water occasionally, a small coffee cupful at a time, as the liquid in the pan becomes absorbed. Let the stuffed grape leaves cool in the pan before turning them out.
STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES WITH RICE (DOLMADES)
Recipe I found in the Chicago Tribune that was adapted from Dean and Catherine Karayani's book "Regional Greek Cooking."
Provided by EmilyStrikesAgain
Categories Rice
Time 2h
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook onions until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the rice; cook, stirring until rice begins to color. Cover; lower heat to low. Cook 5 minutes. Stir in the water, dill, pine nuts, salt and pepper, simmer 5 minutes. Let cool.
- Place a heaping teaspoon of the filling in the center of each grape leaf with the shiny surface down. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling; roll up loosely (the rice will swell when cooked). Place rolls in layers in a Dutch oven.
- Sprinkle with lemon juice. Add remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1 1/12 cups hot water. Place a heatproof plate over the rolls to prevent them from opening. Cover; simmer over low heat 1 hour. Let cool in the pan; refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 196.7, Fat 11.4, SaturatedFat 1.6, Sodium 886.7, Carbohydrate 21.9, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 1.5, Protein 2.6
WILD RICE-STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES
White rice, currants and pine nuts also go into the filling for this regional specialty.
Yield Make about 30
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add rice and allspice and stir 30 seconds. Add 1 1/2 cups water and currants and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until water is absorbed and rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy small skillet over medium-low heat. Add pine nuts and sauté until golden brown, about 6 minutes. Mix nut mixture into rice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring large pot of water to boil. Add grape leaves and stir to separate. Turn off heat; let stand 1 minute. Drain. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain well.
- Cover bottom of heavy large skillet or Dutch oven with about 10 grape leaves, pressing about 1 inch up sides of skillet. Arrange 1 leaf, vein side up, on work surface. Place 1 rounded tablespoon rice filling near stem. Fold in sides, then roll up jelly roll fashion. Repeat with remaining filling and leaves. Arrange stuffed leaves, seam side down, close together in leaf-lined skillet. Drizzle 3 tablespoons oil over. Add 1/4 cup water and fresh lemon juice. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook 50 minutes. Cool completely. (Grape leaves can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
- Arrange stuffed grape leaves on platter. Garnish with lemon and parsley.
SWEET AND SOUR STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES
A vinegar syrup, mixing sweet and sour, flavors the rice in this recipe from Maryam Maddahi, an Iranian Jew living in Southern California. The dish, which she learned long ago from her mother in Tehran, is also packed with tart lemon flavors and sweetness from dried fruit, like raisins, barberries, apricots, prunes. It made its way to The Times in 2010, after being playing a part in the Maddahis' Sabbath table, alongside appetizers packed with herbs.
Provided by Joan Nathan
Categories side dish
Time 2h
Yield About 40 stuffed grape leaves
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, combine vinegar and sugar. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, and simmer until a thin syrup forms, about 10 minutes. Let cool in pan.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 1/2 cups of the rice, and salt. Boil until rice is al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and let rice cool.
- In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, heat oil and add onions. Sauté until golden, about 10 minutes. Add raisins and barberries and sauté a minute or two. Add rice, sour salt, lemon powder or lemon juice, and 2 to 3 tablespoons vinegar syrup (enough for a balance of sweet and sour). Save remaining syrup.
- Pour 1/2 cup water into a heavy 5-quart pot and scatter in remaining 3 tablespoons rice, to prevent leaves from sticking to pot. On a work surface, place a grape leaf dull side up, and place 1 tablespoon of rice mixture close to the stem. Fold over both sides of leaf and roll up to close. Place seam side down in pot, continuing until there is a single tightly packed layer. Scatter half the apricots and prunes on top. Make a second layer and scatter remaining fruit on top.
- Add 1/4 cup water to reserved syrup and pour over stuffed grape leaves. Place small heat-proof plate on leaves as weight. Cover pot tightly, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer until leaves are tender, about 1 hour. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 109, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 2 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 62 milligrams, Sugar 13 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Choose young and tender grape leaves for the best flavor and texture.
- If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for a few seconds to soften them and make them more pliable.
- To prevent the filling from leaking out, make sure to roll the grape leaves tightly.
- You can adjust the amount of dill and walnuts in the filling according to your taste.
- If you don't have grape leaves, you can use cabbage leaves or collard greens as a substitute.
- Serve the stuffed grape leaves with a dollop of yogurt, tzatziki sauce, or lemon wedges.
Conclusion:
Grape leaves stuffed with rice, dill, and walnuts are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. With their unique flavor and texture, these stuffed grape leaves are sure to impress your family and friends.
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