Ingredients

500 g grape leaves ( washed )
1 cup washed and drained rice
1/2 cup virgin olive oil
3 medium chopped onions
3 tablespoons pine nuts
1 tablespoon currants
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon dried mint
salt
1 cup hot water
4 tablespoons sugar
Grape Leaf Rolls With Olive Oil, also known as Dolmades in Greece and the Mediterranean, is a popular appetizer enjoyed in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries. These stuffed grape leaves are usually filled with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, and then rolled tightly in a grape leaf. The grape leaf acts as a natural wrapper, holding everything together while adding flavor and texture to the dish. These appetizers are commonly served cold as part of a mezze platter or as a warm tapas dish accompanied by a dipping sauce. This recipe is simple to make and can be adapted to your taste preferences by adding more spices or swapping out the filling ingredients.

Instructions

1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the washed rice, chopped onions, pine nuts, currants, cinnamon, dried mint, salt, and 1/4 cup of olive oil.
2.Stir together until the mixture is evenly combined.
3.Lay out each grape leaf and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture onto the center of each leaf.
4.Roll each leaf tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go.
5.Line the bottom of a medium-sized pot with any leftover grape leaves.
6.Place each rolled grape leaf onto the bottom of the pot, tightly packed together.
7.Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top of the grape leaf rolls.
8.Sprinkle the sugar over the top of the grape leaf rolls.
9.Pour hot water into the pot, covering the grape leaf rolls.
10.Place a heat-safe plate (or a few upturned saucers) over the top of the grape leaf rolls to weigh them down and keep them in place.
11.Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
12.Cover the pot and let the grape leaf rolls simmer for about 45 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
13.Serve the grape leaf rolls hot or cold, as desired.

PROS

Grape leaf rolls are a flavorful and healthy appetizer that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

The combination of rice, nuts, and herbs with the tender grape leaves makes for a satisfying and delicious bite.

This recipe is vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.

CONS

The process of rolling the grape leaves can be time-consuming and requires some skill.

Some people may find the taste of grape leaves to be slightly bitter or earthy.

If not cooked properly, the rice filling can turn out dry or soggy.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Grape leaves are a nutrient-dense food, containing vitamins A, C, and K along with folic acid, iron, and calcium.
The rice and nuts filling provides protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and the use of olive oil adds monounsaturated fats and antioxidants to the dish.
The herbs used in this recipe such as cinnamon and mint have been linked to improved digestion and reduced inflammation.

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