Description
Classic Mediterranean stuffed grape leaves filled with a fragrant mix of rice, herbs, and spices. Tender, tangy, and satisfying, they are perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
- 1 jar (about 450 g) grape leaves, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
Instructions
- Rinse grape leaves under cold water and separate gently.
- In a bowl, mix rice, onion, parsley, mint, dill, tomato paste, olive oil, salt, pepper, allspice, cinnamon, and half the lemon juice.
- Lay a grape leaf flat, vein side up. Place about 1 tablespoon filling near the stem.
- Fold sides inward and roll tightly into a cylinder.
- Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Line the bottom of a pot with extra leaves and tomato slices.
- Arrange stuffed grape leaves seam-side down in layers.
- Drizzle with olive oil and remaining lemon juice, then add broth.
- Place a plate on top to keep them from unrolling.
- Cover and simmer on low for 45–50 minutes until rice is cooked.
- Let rest for 20–30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add ground meat for a heartier version.
- Use brown rice for a more wholesome option (adjust cooking time).
- Include pine nuts or currants for extra texture and flavor.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Serve warm or cold depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
