Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Mediterranean cuisine with preserved grape leaves, a delectable delicacy that captures the essence of traditional cooking. These tender and flavorful leaves are a versatile ingredient, used in a myriad of dishes that range from savory appetizers to hearty main courses. From the classic dolmas, where minced meat, rice, and herbs are enveloped in grape leaves and simmered in a fragrant broth, to the tantalizing yaprak sarma, where grape leaves are stuffed with a mixture of ground lamb, pine nuts, and aromatic spices, each recipe offers a unique taste experience. Explore the art of preserving grape leaves, a centuries-old technique that extends their shelf life and intensifies their flavor, allowing you to savor this culinary treasure throughout the year. Discover how to select the perfect grape leaves, blanch them to retain their vibrant green color, and store them properly to maintain their freshness. Delve into the diverse collection of recipes featured in this article, each offering a distinct culinary adventure. From the simplicity of stuffed grape leaves with tangy yogurt sauce to the richness of grape leaf soup, these recipes showcase the versatility and appeal of this remarkable ingredient. Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting flavors, textures, and aromas that preserved grape leaves bring to your table.
Let's cook with our recipes!
GRAPE LEAVES
Provided by Food Network
Categories appetizer
Time 2h20m
Yield 12 to 15 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Mix the ground beef and ground pork. Add the rice, dill, both onions, garlic powder, salt and pepper and then mix.
- Make a puree by first melting some butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then add enough olive oil and tomato puree until the sauce is orange-red in color. Stir over medium heat but do not boil. Add enough of the puree to the meat so that it is moist but not soupy. Let cool, about 20 minutes.
- Cover the bottom of a large saucepan with a layer of grape leaves. De-stem the remaining leaves and place vein-side up on your work surface. Place about 3 ounces of meat filling on each leaf and roll them up. Once you have rolled all your grape leaves, stack them in a circular pattern in the pan. Add a little lemon juice, some olive oil and enough water to just cover the top of your last stack. Cover and let simmer for about an hour.
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
PRESERVED GRAPE LEAVES
Make and share this Preserved Grape Leaves recipe from Food.com.
Provided by ksilvan
Categories Very Low Carbs
Time 45m
Yield 1 pint, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place leaves vein side up on a cutting board. Trim the stem from the leaf. I found kitchen shears to be the best tool for this job.
- Bring 1 quart water and salt to a boil. Blanch the leaves for 30 seconds. Remove leaves from pot with tongs or a slotted spoon taking care not to rip them. Allow to cool in a bowl.
- Bring 1 1/2 cup water and lemon juice to a boil. Stack leaves in piles of 5 and roll up from side to side. Place rolls upright in a sterile wide-mouth pint mason jar. Fold over tops to allow 1/2 headspace. Pour hot water/lemon juice mixture over the leaves leaving a 1/2 inch head space. Wipe rim of jar with a clean towel. Top with a lid and screw down lid. Process for 15 minutes in a boiling water bath or keep in the refrigerator.
PRESERVED GRAPE LEAVES
Preserving grape leaves to stuff with any mixture you desire using your own fresh young grape leaves.The grape leaves should be picked in the spring and remove the tough stem.
Provided by Rita1652
Categories Lemon
Time 35m
Yield 2 pints
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Bring salted water to a boil.
- Add washed grape leaves and blanch for 30 seconds.
- Drain.
- Stack them on each other into 2 piles then form into loose rolls and stand each roll up in 2 pint canning jars.
- Add lemon juice or citric acid to the second quart of water and bring to a boil.
- Fill jars within 1/2 inch of top with the hot mixture.
- Seal.
- Process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 26.8, Fat 0.3, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 1773.8, Carbohydrate 8.4, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 3.1, Protein 0.4
Tips:
- Choose fresh, young grape leaves for the best flavor and texture.
- Blanch the grape leaves in boiling water for a few seconds to soften them and make them easier to roll.
- Use a variety of fillings for your grape leaves, such as rice, ground meat, vegetables, and herbs.
- Roll the grape leaves tightly to prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
- Cook the grape leaves in a covered pot over low heat until the filling is cooked through.
Conclusion:
Preserved grape leaves are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are a great way to add flavor and texture to your favorite recipes. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make your own preserved grape leaves at home. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy grape leaves, give this recipe a try!
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