Stuffed Grape Leaves

INGREDIENTS
40 Raw organic grape leaves (small to medium size)
50g (1/4 cup) White rice
A large bunch of fresh organic parsley, finely chopped
2 Medium tomatoes, thinly diced
1 Small onion, thinly chopped
A few leaves of fresh organic mint, finely chopped
1 Large lemon, freshly squeezed
3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
1 Teaspoon sea salt (or salt to taste)
A pinch of freshly grounded black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Have all the vegetables well washed and prepared as indicated in the ingredients description.
2. In a large saucepan, cook the raw grape leaves for 10 minutes in boiling water. Remove the leaves from the
heat, rinse under cold water and drain.
3. In a mixing bowl prepare the filling mix by combining the thinly diced tomatoes, the thinly chopped parsley, the
thinly chopped onion, the thinly chopped mint leaves, the freshly squeezed lemon juice, the EVOO, the rice,
salt to taste and a pinch of freshly grounded black pepper.
4. Place a grape leave in the work surface, with the shiny side down. Remove the small stem, and stuff each
leave with one heaped tablespoon of the filling while keeping at least 1cm from each side of the leave without
filling. Fold the edges and roll each leave until it is completely rolled up. (See the step-by-step pictures for
guidance)
5. Once all the grape leaves are stuffed, in a large non-stick saucepan arrange the stuffed grape leaves one
side by side to the other tightly packed, and once the bottom of the saucepan is full with the stuffed grape
leaves arrange another layer of stuffed grape leaves on top of them until all of them are inside the saucepan.
Pour on top of them the remaining juice from the filling, and enough water to have them covered, and on top
cover the stuffed leaves with a dish (resistant to heat) to keep them in place and avoid them to open. Cover
the saucepan with its lid, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer over low heat for 20 – 25 minutes
until the rice is cooked and the grape leaves are tender (check the cooking time of the rice in the package to
estimate the required time).
6. Carefully remove the heatproof dish and remove the stuffed grape leaves from the heat. Serve warm or cold.

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