Grape Leaf Rolls
Today we present a traditional recipe slightly outside of our comfort zone, but still from our Mediterranean heritage. Coming directly from Greece (but similar variations can also be found in Lebanon, Israel and Syria), this is a fresh appetizer that we are in love with. We can officially say that grapes not only give us wine!
Grape Leaf Rolls
Today we present a traditional recipe slightly outside of our comfort zone, but still from our Mediterranean heritage. Coming directly from Greece (but similar variations can also be found in Lebanon, Israel and Syria), this is a fresh appetizer that we are in love with. We can officially say that grapes not only give us wine!
Step 1
Boil grape leaves in salted water for 5 minutes, then put them in icy water to stop them from cooking. Once cold, pat them with some paper towel.
Mix rice, ground lamb and mint together with pine nuts, previously toasted in a non-stick pan with a small amount of butter (cooking time around 5 minutes).
Put the mix in the middle of the leaves. Fold the sides of the leaf and roll, pretty much like a tobacco leaf for a cigar.
Step 2
Put a layer of grape leaves on a non-stick pan, then put the rolls one close to each other with no space between us. Add the fresh juice of 3 lemons, half a cup of chicken broth and half a cup of water, cover with another layer of leaves and put a plate on them, to put some pressure on them and keep the heat there.
Bring to boil and simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 3
Let cool (store in the fridge for not more than a week) and serve with Tzatziki, or dare to try our balsamic glazes on them! Do not forget to comment here below and share your results on our social media!
ENJOY!
Ingredients:
(for 4 people)
50 grape leaves
1 cup Balilla or Basmati rice
1 cup ground lamb
1/3 cup dried mint
1/3 cup pine nuts
3 lemons
Chicken broth