Rolled Stuffed Grape Leaves

Rolled Stuffed Grape Leaves

Ingredients

16 oz Jar Grape leaves or Fresh Grape leaves                    

¾ Cup Long grain uncooked rice

1 cup water

21b ground lamb or beef

3 large garlic cloves

3 lemons

1 tablespoon crushed red pepper

1 tablespoon pepper

Directions

1. To prepare fresh grape leaves for rolling, dip in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Mix ground meat with rice, season with salt and pepper. Remove stem from each grape leaf, if using fresh leaves.
2. Spread each leaf on flat surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of meat stuffing across the leaf about ½ inch from stem point. Fold leave toward stuffing. Then fold right side over and roll leaf forward very tightly. When fully rolled, squeeze it to secure. Repeat for each leaf. Neatly place each stuffed rolled in the pot in layers.
3. Pound the garlic and salt to taste. Add 1 cup of water and lemon juice and pour over grape leaves in the pot.
4. Cover and bring to a boil on high heat, once it reaches to a boil lower on med heat and cook covered very slowly for 1 hour. Add more water if needed. Steam until grape leaves are soft and pierced and cut easily with a fork. Do not overcook the leaves should not fall apart.