Flavorful Mediterranean Stuffed Grape Leaves Recipe

Exploring Mediterranean Flavors: Stuffed Grape Leaves

Hey there, foodies! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that transports me back to sunny afternoons in the Mediterranean. The vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients in this dish never fail to put a smile on my face. So, why not bring a taste of the Mediterranean into your own kitchen today?

For this dish, we’ll be making stuffed grape leaves, a classic Mediterranean appetizer bursting with savory goodness. These little parcels are filled with a mixture of fragrant rice, pine nuts, spices, and herbs, then wrapped in tender grape leaves. Trust me; your taste buds are in for a treat!

Let’s start by gathering our ingredients:

• 200g grape leaves, drained
• 150g arborio rice
• 50g pine nuts, toasted
• 10g fresh dill, chopped
• 10g fresh mint, chopped
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• to taste
• to taste

Now, let’s not forget about our trusty kitchen tools:

• pot
• skillet
• knife
• cutting board
• spoon

To prepare the stuffing, start by cooking the arborio rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, transfer the rice to a bowl and let it cool slightly. Add in the toasted pine nuts, chopped dill, fresh mint, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Next, carefully separate the grape leaves and place them flat on a cutting board. Spoon a small amount of the rice mixture onto the center of each leaf, then fold the sides over the filling and roll them up tightly to create little parcels.

Once all the grape leaves are stuffed, arrange them in a pot in a tight single layer. Drizzle some extra olive oil over the top and pour in enough water to cover the grape leaves. Place a heat-safe plate on top to keep them submerged, then cover the pot and simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the leaves are tender.

After cooking, remove the grape leaves from the pot and let them cool slightly before serving. These stuffed grape leaves are best enjoyed warm, drizzled with a little extra olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. The delightful combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress your taste buds!

Total weight of cooked dish: 700g
Number of servings: 4
Average weight per serving: 175g
Approximate calorie count per serving: 280 calories

A little tip to make this dish even more delicious: try adding a sprinkle of sumac over the stuffed grape leaves before serving. The tangy, citrusy flavor of sumac will take this dish to a whole new level!

Go ahead, give this recipe a try, and don’t be afraid to put your spin on it. Have fun exploring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right in your own kitchen! Enjoy!