Stuffed Grape Leaves

By á-4939

Ingredients

• What you need:
• 1/4 cup + 2/3 cup olive oil, divided
• 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup basmati or long-grain rice
• 2 tablespoons chopped dill
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 (8 ounce) jar grape leaves, drained
• 2 lemons, juiced, divided

Preparation

Step 1

. In a large skillet over medium high heat, saute the onions in 1/4 cup olive oil for 5 to 10 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Transfer to a bowl and add the (uncooked) rice, dill and parsley.
2. Season with salt and pepper. Combine and set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the grape leaves in the boiling water in batches, 2 minutes each. Remove with tongs and set aside in a colander or on paper towel to dry and cool.
3. To assemble, place 1 grape leaf, shiny side down. Trim any stems. Spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons rice filling at the base of the leaf. Fold the bottom up, fold over the sides and roll up to make a cylindrical shape. Do not wrap too tightly as the rice will expand when it cooks. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Place the rolled grape leaves, seam side down, amongst 2 deep saute pans, in a single layer. Over each batch, pour 1/3 cup olive oil and the juice of 1 lemon.
5. Add enough water to just come up to the sides of the leaves. Cover the pans and simmer over low heat 30 minutes to 1 hour, until fork tender. Serve warm or at room temperature.