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Stuffed Grape Leaves

Tender grape leaves wrapped around a fragrant filling of rice, fresh herbs, and spices, gently simmered in lemony broth for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 24 rolls
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 85

Ingredients
  

Grape Leaves & Filling
  • 1 jar 16 ounces grape leaves, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • colander
  • Paper towels
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Drain the grape leaves, rinse under cool water, and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, parsley, mint, dill, minced onion, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and cayenne; mix until evenly distributed.
  3. Place a grape leaf shiny side down on a board with the stem end toward you. Add 1 tablespoon of filling near the stem, fold sides over, and roll tightly away from you to form a cylinder.
  4. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling, making about 24 rolls.
  5. Coat the bottom of a medium saucepan with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Arrange rolls seam side down in tight concentric layers.
  6. Pour vegetable broth and lemon juice over the rolls; liquid should nearly cover them.
  7. Cover, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer gently for 45 minutes until rice is tender.
  8. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Store cooled rolls in their cooking liquid up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Serve with Greek yogurt and extra lemon wedges for a bright finish.