**Stuffed Grape Leaves: A Delicacy Wrapped in History and Flavor**
Unveil the culinary treasure that is stuffed grape leaves, a dish steeped in tradition and bursting with Mediterranean flavors. These delicate parcels, known as dolmades in Greek cuisine, are crafted by meticulously wrapping a savory filling of aromatic rice, fragrant herbs, and succulent minced meat in tender grape leaves. Embark on a culinary journey through this article, where you'll discover two enticing recipes for stuffed grape leaves: a classic version enveloped in a velvety egg-lemon sauce, and a tantalizing vegetarian rendition featuring a medley of roasted vegetables. Prepare to indulge in a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport your taste buds to the heart of the Mediterranean.
STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES
Steps:
- Put the onions and oil in a skillet and cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. While the onions cook, peel the garlic cloves and mash them to a paste in a mortar and pestle. Add this to the pan along with the tomato, lemon juice, tomato paste, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the rice. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the dill. Set aside to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
- While this is cooling, drain the grape leaves and carefully pull them apart. Put them into a bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak until you are ready to roll.
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place a grape leaf on your work surface, shiny side down. Add 1 tablespoon of the rice mixture to the middle of the grape leaf. Fold the sides over the rice and roll the leaf into a small log shape, about the size of George's thumb. Repeat with the remaining rice, placing the stuffed leaves into a 9 by 9-inch baking dish. When the dish is full, cover the stuffed leaves with several layers of flat grape leaves and pour in 1 cup of water. Cover and bake for 1 hour. Let cool to room temperature and refrigerate. Serve cool.
STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES WITH EGG-LEMON SAUCE BY SY
One of my all-time favorite Greek Dishes! The Egg-Lemon Sauce and squeezed lemon wedges really makes this dish delicious! If you can't find ground lamb you can just use ground beef. Further, I sometimes use ground turkey! However if you do, you need to make sure this dish is cooked throughly.
Provided by SkipperSy
Categories Lamb/Sheep
Time 2h15m
Yield 15 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- GRAPE LEAVES DIRECTIONS: Sauté onions and celery with 1 tablespoon butter, until wilted In a big bowl add ground meat, onion and celery, rice, mint, parsley, pine nuts (optional) and salt & pepper; mix well!
- Remove grape leaves from the jar and open up onto a big plate.
- Remove one leaf (the bigger the better) and place onto a flat surface; with the shiny side down.
- Place a small amount of the filling toward the stem side of the leaf and then roll up (tuck in the left and right side as you roll) toward the top of the leaf.
- Make sure you do not put to much filling in each one.
- Then place them in a Corningware dish or sauce pan as noted below.
- In a large Corningware dish (or saucepan) grease the bottom with a little oil and then line the bottom with some of the smaller grape leaves.
- Place some of the smaller grape leaves in the dish/pan.
- Put into the dish/pan the rolled grape leaves and arrange in layers with each grape leaf close together.
- Add chicken stock, juice of 1 lemon, dry wine and remaining tablespoons of butter.
- In order to prevent the grape leaves from opening up during cooking, place a small flat Corningware plate on top of the grape leaves.
- Then place the Corningware glass cover upside down and onto the small flat plate.
- Cook, simmer on a low heat for about 1 hour.
- While cooling make the Egg-Lemon Sauce; See directions below.
- Place several grape leaves on a dish and then pour some of the hot Egg-Lemon Sauce on top.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- EGG-LEMON SAUCE DIRECTIONS: Lightly beat 2 egg yolks with 1/4 cup water.
- Squeeze juice from 2 lemons and add water for a total of 3/4 cup liquid.
- Add salt.
- Heat oil in a small pan and then add the cornstarch stirring; add a little of the lemon juice/water to prevent it from becoming lumpy.
- Next add a little of the lemon juice/water until smooth, then gradually add all the liquid and continue stirring until smooth.
- Remove from the heat for about 1 minutes.
- Then gradually add the beaten egg yolks stirring/whisk until smooth (Keep in mind that heating will cause the eggs to set, which you don't want to do).
- NOTE: The next day the grape leaves will taste even better, when heated up in a frying pan and then served with the Egg-Lemon Sauce.
- Or Microwave the grape leaves with some of the Egg-Lemon Sauces on top, prior to heating.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 176, Fat 10.8, SaturatedFat 4.1, Cholesterol 50.6, Sodium 661.9, Carbohydrate 10.7, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 1.1, Protein 8
STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES WITH EGG LEMON SAUCE
This is a Frugal Gourmet recipe. I know it's not authentic that way, but I always use ground beef. Note 1 hour resting time. (I'll be honest--I cheat and don't always let them rest for an hour. They smell too good and I can never wait.)
Provided by iris5555
Categories Lamb/Sheep
Time 2h45m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Mix all the ingredients for the filling.
- Pick out the smallest leaves in the jar and set aside. Use some of these leaves to place a single layer on the bottom of a 2-quart dutch oven.
- Cut the stems off the grape leaves.
- Place a leaf on the counter, bottom side up, stem end toward you.
- Place 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center of the leaf. Fold the stem end over the filling, then fold the sides over to secure the filling, then roll from you toward the tip of the leaf.
- Do not wrap too tightly as the rice will expand as it cooks.
- Place the rolled leaves on top of the single layer in the bottom of the pot.
- Cover them with a layer of unrolled leaves, then add another layer of rolled leaves. Continue layering stuffed leaves and then top with the remaining unrolled leaves.
- Place a medium plate over the top of the leaves as a weight.
- Mix the chicken stock and lemon juice for the broth and pour over the leaves in the pot.
- Cover and bring to a light simmer. Cook 1 hour.
- Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool for 1 more hour. Do not remove the lid or the leaves will darken.
- Serve warm with Egg-Lemon Sauce on top.
- Egg Lemon Sauce.
- Heat chicken stock in a saucepan.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and mix in flour.
- Add butter/flour mixture to stock to thicken.
- Whip eggs, lemon juice and water together in a bowl until frothy.
- Add egg mixture to thickened stock, stirring constantly.
- Warm the mixture, but do not boil, continuing to stir until thick.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
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
Tips:
- Choose the right grape leaves: Use fresh, young grape leaves for the best flavor and texture. If using jarred grape leaves, rinse them thoroughly before using.
- Prepare the grape leaves properly: Blanch the grape leaves in boiling water for a few seconds to soften them and make them pliable. This will also help to remove any bitterness.
- Use a variety of fillings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different fillings for your stuffed grape leaves. Some popular options include rice, ground beef, lamb, pork, and vegetables.
- Season the filling well: Be sure to season the filling with plenty of herbs and spices to give it flavor. Some common seasonings include garlic, onion, cumin, paprika, and oregano.
- Roll the grape leaves tightly: When rolling the grape leaves, be sure to roll them tightly so that the filling doesn't fall out. You can use a toothpick to secure the leaves if necessary.
- Cook the grape leaves slowly: Cook the grape leaves slowly over low heat so that they have a chance to absorb the flavors of the filling. This will also help to prevent the leaves from becoming tough.
- Serve the grape leaves warm: Stuffed grape leaves are best served warm, either as an appetizer or main course. They can be served with a variety of sauces, such as yogurt sauce, tomato sauce, or egg-lemon sauce.
Conclusion:
Stuffed grape leaves are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a popular appetizer or main course in many cultures around the world. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make stuffed grape leaves at home. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give stuffed grape leaves a try. You won't be disappointed!
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