Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 jar of grape leaves (16 oz)
- 1 cup of walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of water
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Rinse the grape leaves under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Take one grape leaf at a time and place it on a flat surface with the shiny side down and the stem facing you.
5. Spoon a small amount of the walnut mixture onto the center of the grape leaf.
6. Fold the bottom of the grape leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining grape leaves and filling.
8. Place the rolled grape leaves in a baking dish, seam side down.
9. Pour any remaining filling over the grape leaves.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the grape leaves are lightly browned.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.
- You can use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
Variations:
- You can add cooked rice to the filling mixture.
- You can add chopped parsley or mint to the filling mixture.
- You can use fresh grape leaves instead of jarred grape leaves.
Tips and tricks:
- If the grape leaves are too tough, blanch them in boiling water for a few seconds before using them.
- You can use toothpicks to secure the grape leaves if they are not staying rolled up.
- You can serve the grape leaves with a dollop of plain yogurt on top.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the grape leaves in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the grape leaves on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint
- Lemon wedges
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of hummus and pita bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Couscous
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the grape leaves are too tough, blanch them in boiling water for a few seconds before using them.
- If the filling is too dry, add more olive oil or lemon juice.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to rinse the grape leaves thoroughly before using them.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Food history:
- Grape leaves stuffed with various fillings are a popular dish in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries.
Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, nutty, tangy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or a light meal.
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Region: Middle Eastern