Grape Leaves Stuffed With Goat Cheese & Figs

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 0

Grape Leaves Stuffed With Goat Cheese & Figs is a savory dish with a deliciously sweet twist

by The Chefin Appetizer

Prep

45 min

Cook

15 min

Ready In

60 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

Sugar

Fat

Grape Leaves Stuffed With Goat Cheese & Figs is a Mediterranean dish that has gained popularity all around the world. Stuffed grape leaves can be traced back to Ottoman cuisine but have now become a staple in many cuisines. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser among all age groups. The filling of goat cheese and figs gives this dish a creamy and rich taste, while the pine nuts and chives add a mild intensity. The cooking is straightforward, and the recipe can be adjusted to suit anyone's taste.

Instructions

1.	Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.	Combine figs and heavy cream in a blender; blend until smooth.
3.	Mix goat cheese and fig mixture together in a bowl; stir in egg, raisins, pine nuts, and chives.
4.	Lay grape leaves, rounded side up, on a cutting board. Spoon goat cheese mixture onto each grape leaf; fold the sides in and roll up. Repeat with remaining grape leaves and goat cheese mixture.
5.	Arrange stuffed grape leaves in a baking dish.
6.	Bake in the preheated oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes.

PROS

This dish is a perfect balance between flavors – savory goat cheese, sweet figs and raisins, and crunchy pine nuts.

It’s a great make-ahead appetizer that can be served at room temperature or slightly warm.

CONS

The preparation can be time-consuming, as each grape leaf has to be stuffed individually.

Some people might find the taste of grape leaves too tangy.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Goat cheese and pine nuts have several health benefits. Goat cheese is lower in fat and calories than traditional cheese and is an excellent source of protein and calcium. Pine nuts contain heart-healthy fats and fiber, and are also a good source of iron and magnesium.

	3 ounces fresh figs
	3 ounces heavy cream or 3 ounces softened cream cheese
	4 ounces herbed goat cheese
	1 egg , beaten
	1 ounce raisins
	2 ounces pine nuts , toasted
	2 tablespoons chives , chopped
	25 rinsed and stem removed grape leaves