Lebanon

Stuffed Grape Leaves

BY Najwa Beydoun Lebanon is a small Mediterranean country. It has a very rich history and vibrant culture. Lebanese people show their hospitality with wholesome foods they prepare for their guests. Stuffed grape leaves is a traditional recipe that is full of flavor. The combination of lemon juice and olive oil truly makes it Mediterranean. Most Lebanese people grow their own grapes. Grapeleaves usually climb on the outisde walls of homes reaching and covering rooftops. This is a very beautiful and common image of our country.

@ Ingredients 1 jar (16 oz.) grape leaves Stuffing 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 lb. ground meat 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. allspice 2 cups rice Ingredients required to cook grape leaves 2 ripe tomatoes, cut into pieces 6 cups water 1/2 cup lemon juice 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper 1/4 cup olive oil

@ How to make 1, Rinse rice until crystal clear.Add hot water tocover rice and let stand for one hour. 2, Rinse grape leaves thoroughly under running water.Immerse the leaves in boiling water for two minutes to soften. 3, Drain rice from excess water, add meat, oil, salt and allspice. 4, Cut off thick stems from grape leaves. 5, Place one teaspoon of rice mixture on underside of each leaf,near the end. Fold base of leaf over rice mixture, then fold both sides and roll toward point. 6, Place sliced tomatoes in the bottom of a medium saucepan. 7, Layer stuffed grape leaves over tomatoes, Add water,lemon juice, salt and pepper. Fianlly, add the olive oil. 8, Weigh down with a heavy heat-proof plate. Bring to a boil, about 15 minutes. 9, Reduce heat,cover and simmer for 40 minutes. 10, Serve with plain yogurt if desired. * This dish may also be prepared ahead of time and re-heated just before serving. * You may add cooked, boned lamb meat in the bottom of saucepan before adding the stuffed grape leaves.

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