My Own Famous Stuffed Grape Leaves
Enjoy the authentic taste of the Mediterranean with this recipe for “My Own Famous Stuffed Grape Leaves,” a delicious blend of rice, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, these flavorful dolmades will bring Mediterranean flair to your table.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 60 stuffed grape leaves (serves 12)
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 large onion, chopped
- ½ cup chopped fresh dill
- ½ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 2 quarts chicken broth, divided
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice, divided
- 60 fresh grape leaves
- 1 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rice, chopped onion, dill, and mint. Sauté until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Pour in half of the chicken broth, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the rice is nearly cooked, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in half of the lemon juice and remove from heat.
- Prepare the Grape Leaves: Submerge grape leaves in very hot water for 10 seconds to soften. Pat dry.
- Stuff and Roll: Place a grape leaf on a flat surface, shiny side down. Add 1 teaspoon of the rice mixture at the stem end. Fold the sides toward the center, then roll from bottom to top. Place the stuffed leaf in a 4-quart pot. Repeat with remaining leaves.
- Cook the Stuffed Leaves: Drizzle 1 cup of olive oil and the remaining lemon juice over the stuffed leaves. Add the remaining chicken broth to cover. Cover the pot and simmer gently for 1 hour, ensuring it doesn’t boil.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from heat, uncover, and let cool for 30 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy.
Notes
- You can use jarred grape leaves if fresh ones are not available.
- Make-ahead friendly: Flavors develop over time, so it’s perfect for preparing in advance.
- You can add toasted pine nuts or currants to the rice mixture for extra texture.
