Ingredients

1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup onion , finely chopped
1/2 cup green onion , chopped
1 lb lean ground lamb or 1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup raw rice
2 tablespoons pine nuts or 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
water
1 jar grape leaves , drained
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 can chicken broth
3 tablespoons lemon juice
4 egg yolks
Stuffed Grape Leaves with Meat is a traditional Turkish dish that has become an excellent appetizer in many Middle Eastern countries. It is known as Yaprak Sarma in Turkey, where families often gather together to cook it during special occasions. Stuffed Grape Leaves with Meat is also popularly served in Greek, Lebanese, and Syrian cuisines. You will find it on buffet tables and in family gatherings, being loved for its delicious taste and nutritional value. This dish is a perfect example of great comfort food that can be enjoyed with family and friends.

Instructions

1.In a skillet, heat 1/3 cup of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onions and chopped green onions, and sauté until tender.
2.Add ground lamb or ground beef and cook until browned, stirring frequently.
3.Mix in raw rice, pine nuts or chopped almonds, dill weed, salt, and pepper. Add water to the pan until a thin layer is covering the meat mixture, and bring to a boil.
4.Lower heat, cover the mixture with a lid, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until the rice is cooked.
5.Remove from heat and let it cool.
6.Open the jar of grape leaves and rinse them under running water to remove brine and any impurities.
7.Spread out grape leaves on a plate and trim the stem edge if they are not already trimmed.
8.Place one grape leaf on a flat surface with the shiny side down and the stem end facing you. Put a spoonful of the meat mixture on the wide end of the leaf, fold the sides towards the centre, and tightly roll the leaf to form a cigar-shaped roll.
9.Repeat this process until all the leaves are stuffed and rolled, and place them into a baking dish with the seam side down.
10.In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat, whisk in flour until smooth, and then blend in salt.
11.Gradually whisk in chicken broth, lemon juice, and egg yolks.
12.Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce has thickened.
13.Pour this sauce over grape leaves.
14.Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top, cover with aluminum foil, and bake it in a preheated 350-degree oven for 45-55 minutes until the leaves are tender and the sauce has thickened.

PROS

Stuffed Grape Leaves with Meat are delicious and flavourful, widely loved for their perfect balance of taste.

This recipe is great for a potluck, family gatherings, or any special occasion.

Stuffed Grape Leaves with Meat are perfect for those who are looking for a protein-packed meal.

It is a dynamic dish that is easy to use as a meal or appetizer.

CONS

This dish can be high in calories and fat because of meat and oil.

It may take some time to roll the grape leaves and stuff them, so it requires patience, effort and time.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Grape leaves are high in fibre, which helps promote good digestion and bowel movement.
Olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health.
Lamb is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Rice is a great source of energy, fibre, and B vitamins. It also promotes good digestion and bowel flow.

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