Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolma) ©

Lebanon, Greece, Yemen, and other Eastern countries have their own version of stuffed grapes leaves. This recipe is a combination of several different ones. Stuffed grape leaves are a delicious snack for a party, or watching a ball game especially when served with a cold, lemon dipping sauce.





Ingredients

16 oz Jar grape leaves or fresh-grape leaves
3/4 c Long grain uncooked rice
2 tsp Fresh dried mint
1 c Water
2 lb Ground lamb, beef and pork - even amounts
1/2 tsp Rosemary
1/2 tsp GREEK oregano
1/8 tsp Cinnamon
1 TBS cumin
1/2 tsp crushed or powdered dill seeds
4 lg Garlic cloves
2 - 3 large lemons

To prepare fresh grape leaves for rolling, dip one leaf at a time in boiling water for about 30 seconds and cool. Mix ground meat with rice; season with salt, pepper, cinnamon and the other spices. Remove stem from each grape leaf, if using fresh leaves. Spread each leaf on flat surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of meat stuffing across the leaf about 1/2" from stem point. Fold leave forward toward stuffing. Then fold right side over then the left side and roll leaf forward very tightly.

When fully rolled, squeeze it to secure. Repeat for each leaf. Neatly place each stuffed roll in a large pot in layers. Pound the garlic with mint and salt to taste, then add add 1 cup water or more as needed, and lemon juice; pour over grape leaves in the pot. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook covered, very slowly for 1 hour. Add more water if needed. Steam until grape leaves are soft and are pierced and cut easily with a fork. Do not over cook. The leaves should not fall apart. These can be further processed in a hot water bath. Put stuffed leaves in sterilized quart or pint canning jars, pour an even mixture of water and vinegar to 1/2" from top. Process for a full 15-minutes.

Lemon Dipping Sauce

6 egg yolks
Juice of 2 lemons
1 cup chicken or beef stock
Salt and pepper to taste

Beat together the egg yolks and lemon juice and add these to the stock. Cook over a low flame, stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot or cold (yields about one cup). Note: This sauce can also be put to good use in soups, with fish and lamb dishes, and with salads.