Ingredients

1 jar grape leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 lb ground beef
1 onion ( minced )
1 small garlic clove ( minced )
1 cup water
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup rice
1 tablespoon mint ( minced )
1 tablespoon parsley ( minced )
1/4 teaspoon salt
fresh cracked pepper ( to taste )
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1/4 cup currants
2 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons port wine
1 cup water
1/2 a lemon , juice of
lemon slice
Lori's Favorite Grape Leaves are a popular dish in the Mediterranean, typically served as an appetizer or a main course. These grape leaves are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and herbs, offering a delicious combination of textures and flavors in every bite. The grape leaves themselves are tender and slightly tangy, providing the perfect container for the savory beef and rice mixture inside. This dish is perfect for a healthy and filling meal, whether you are looking for a protein-packed lunch or a satisfying dinner. Plus, with its budget-friendly ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe, Lori's Favorite Grape Leaves are a great option for busy weeknights as well.

Instructions

1.In a large pot, bring water to a boil and then turn off the heat.
2.Carefully remove the grape leaves from the jar and rinse thoroughly.
3.In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4.Add the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring frequently.
5.Add the tomato sauce, rice, mint, parsley, salt, pepper, cinnamon, currants, pine nuts, and port wine. Stir until well combined and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6.Place a grape leaf on a flat surface with the shiny side down. Place a tablespoon of the beef filling on the leaf, leaving a small border around the edges.
7.Fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll up tightly.
8.Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling.
9.Preheat oven to 350F. In a baking dish, arrange the grape leaves in a single layer, seam side down.
10.Pour 1 cup of water over the grape leaves and drizzle the lemon juice over the top.
11.Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the grape leaves are tender.

PROS

Lori’s Favorite Grape Leaves are packed with protein and are a fantastic source of essential nutrients.
This dish is perfect for a healthy and filling lunch or dinner.

It’s also very budget-friendly and easy to make, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights.

CONS

The grape leaves can be slightly challenging to work with and may require some practice to get the technique right.
Additionally, the cooking time can be quite long, so be sure to plan accordingly if you are short on time.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Lori’s Favorite Grape Leaves are packed with protein and essential nutrients, making them a fantastic addition to any diet.
The grape leaves are high in antioxidants, which can help to protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.
The ground beef in this dish is also an excellent source of iron and zinc, two essential minerals that play a vital role in maintaining good health.

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