Homemade Stuffed Grape Leaves Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

In this article, we will delve into stuffed grape leaves, covering the ingredients and steps to prepare them quickly and easily at home.  

Ingredients Needed  

- Ground meat  

- Rice (Egyptian rice is the best choice)  

- Salt  

- Black pepper (powder)  

- Seven spice  

- Cumin  

- Cinnamon  

- Olive oil  

- Tomato paste  

- Grape leaves  

- Fresh tomato  

- Garlic  

- Fresh lemon juice  

- Pomegranate molasses  

- Pomegranate  

Steps to Prepare Stuffed Grape Leaves  

Start by preparing the rice. Use 1 ½ cups of Egyptian rice, wash it thoroughly, rinse with water, and drain. In the same bowl, add 250g of ground beef, ½ tsp of salt, ¼ tsp of black pepper, ¼ tsp of seven spices, ¼ tsp of cumin, 2 tsp of pomegranate molasses, 2 tsp of olive oil, ½ tsp of tomato paste (or 1 tsp of tomato sauce), and a dash of ground cinnamon. Mix the ingredients well using clean hands or kitchen gloves. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.  

Next, prepare the grape leaves. If using jarred grape leaves, take about 80 leaves (usually found in 3 sets). Be gentle while removing them to prevent tearing. Soak them in warm water to remove salt and preservatives, then drain and squeeze gently. Trim the excess stems from each leaf.  

To fill the grape leaves, place the rough side up on a flat surface. Add ½ tsp of the prepared filling near the removed stem tip. Roll it once, then another time, tightening slightly by pulling the rolled part towards you. Fold in the right and left sides, then continue rolling forward while pulling toward you. Repeat with all leaves.  

For assembly, place 4 broken leaves at the bottom of a pot. Slice two medium tomatoes and layer them over the leaves. Add 4 peeled garlic cloves. Arrange the rolled grape leaves neatly on top. Cover with the broken grape leaves, then place a weight on top to keep the rolls from shifting.  

In a bowl, mix 3 cups of hot water with ½ tsp of salt, ¼ tsp of black pepper, and 2 tsp of olive oil. Pour this over the grape leaves. Cook on medium heat for 3 minutes, ensuring the weight remains stable. Let it simmer for 2-3 hours. If excess liquid remains, drain it before serving.  

Serving Suggestions  

Serve the stuffed grape leaves hot with yogurt. Arrange them on a flat plate, drizzle 1 tsp of pomegranate molasses over the rolls, and sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top. Place a small bowl of yogurt on the side for dipping.  

Enjoy your homemade stuffed grape leaves!