Stuffed Grape Leaves
Stuffed Grape Leaves are a traditional Middle Eastern dish. It typically consists of grape leaves wrapped around a savory filling. This is a mixture of rice, spices and ground meat. Vegetarian versions can replace the meat with ingredients such as pine nuts, raisins, or chopped vegetables. We will show you how to make the grape leaves from scratch, but you can also use brined ones from the market.
Trim <quantity>120</quantity> grape leaves
Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add the grape leaves in batches and simmer for 3m until they change color
Separate the cooked leaves according to size
Rinse <quantity>1<unit>cup</unit></quantity> of white rice until the water runs clear
Place <quantity>1<unit>kg</unit></quantity> of ground chuck in a large bowl and add the rinsed rice
Season with salt to taste
Add <quantity>1<unit>tbsp</unit></quantity> of Aleppo pepper
Add about <quantity>1<unit>cup</unit></quantity> of water while mixing the meat by hand
Thinly slice <quantity>1</quantity> peeled head of garlic
Place the grape leaf on a flat surface. Leave the opaque side facing you and the shiny side down. Place a teaspoon of the meat mixture on the bottom of the leaf. Roll up halfway, then tuck in the sides. Continue rolling until sealed
Place the stuffed grape leaves on the bottom of a pot, seam side down
Add a layer of sliced garlic
Interperse layers of stuffed grape leaves and garlic
Add a generously amount of salt
Add <quantity>2<unit>bunches</unit></quantity> of fresh mint
Cover with water
Place a weight to make sure that it is completely submerged
Turn the heat to medium and cook for 45m until the rice is fully cooked
Remove the mint
Squeeze <quantity>1</quantity> lime directly into the pot
Drain and set aside the cooking water
Carefully invert the pot onto a plate or serving dish
Add the cooking water. The stuffed grape leaves are ready
Serve with lime wedges and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Enjoy!
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