Middle Eastern > Grilled > Lamb

Grilled Grape Leaves with Lamb and Rice Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 jar of grape leaves (16 ounces)
- 1 pound of ground lamb
- 1 cup of uncooked rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of dried mint
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of water

Special equipment needed:
- Grill
- Skewers

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse the grape leaves under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground lamb, rice, onion, garlic, tomato paste, mint, oregano, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

3. Take one grape leaf and place it on a flat surface with the shiny side down and the stem facing you. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the lamb and rice mixture onto the center of the leaf.

4. Fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll up tightly like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling.

5. Thread the grape leaf rolls onto skewers, leaving a little space between each roll.

6. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and water.

7. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grape leaf rolls with the olive oil mixture.

8. Grill the grape leaf rolls for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are lightly charred and the lamb is cooked through.

9. Remove the grape leaf rolls from the skewers and serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
Grill temperature: medium-high heat
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 360
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 21g
Sodium: 530mg
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey can be used instead of lamb.
- Brown rice or quinoa can be used instead of white rice.
- Fresh mint and oregano can be used instead of dried.

Variations:
- Add chopped fresh parsley or cilantro to the filling for extra flavor.
- Top the grilled grape leaf rolls with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce.
- Serve the grape leaf rolls with a side of hummus or baba ganoush.

Tips and tricks:
- If the grape leaves are too tough, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before using.
- Make sure to roll the grape leaves tightly to prevent the filling from falling out.
- Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Storage instructions:
Leftover grape leaf rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the grape leaf rolls, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the grilled grape leaf rolls on a platter and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.

Garnishes:
Lemon wedges, fresh parsley, or cilantro.

Pairings:
Serve the grape leaf rolls with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
Greek salad, roasted vegetables, hummus, or baba ganoush.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the grape leaves are too tough, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before using.
- If the filling is too dry, add a little more water to the mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the lamb thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftover grape leaf rolls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Food history:
Grape leaves stuffed with meat and rice are a traditional dish in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. The dish is known as dolma in Turkish and Greek cuisine, and warak enab in Arabic cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
The grilled grape leaves have a smoky flavor from the grill, while the lamb and rice filling is savory and aromatic with hints of cinnamon and cumin.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the grilled grape leaf rolls as an appetizer or main dish with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables.

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Region: Middle Eastern

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herbal, Earthy, Smoky