Grape Leaves With Meat

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Grape leaves with meat is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with ground meat, typically lamb or beef, mixed with rice, herbs, and spices and then wrapped in grape leaves. The grape leaves are often brined or preserved in vinegar before use, giving them a tangy and slightly sour flavor. The meat mixture is rolled into small portions and placed in the center of the grape leaves, which are then folded around the filling to form small packets. The packets are then either baked or steamed until the meat and rice are fully cooked and the grape leaves are tender.

Grape leaves with meat can be served hot or cold, and are often accompanied by a sauce made with yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main dish, and are a great option for those following a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern diet.

Ingredients

1 jar grape leaves or fresh grape leaves

Rice Filling Ingredients

2 cups short grain rice (calrose rice)2 large tomatoes2 cups chopped parsley1 large chopped onion1/3 cup lemon juice1/4 cup olive oil2 tsp salt1/2 tsp black pepper1 tsp 7 spice1 tbsp dried mint3 mince garlic cloves

Liquid

1/4 cup lemon juice1/4 cup olive oil1 tbsp pomegranate molasses1 cup water or the liquid from the rice1 tsp salt

Direction

1: wash the rice then add all the ingredients above and mix2: cook the grape leaves in hot water for couple minutes about 3 to 4 minutes if they are fresh if using a jar grape leaves or frozen just cook for one minute.3:start on rolling the grape leaves by adding about 1/2 tbsp of the filling in the middle of the grape leave close both sides then roll very tight, make sure to roll tight or they will open.4: repeat till finish, you can strain the liquid from the rice and save it to use instead of the water to cook the stuffed grape leaves.5: add meat in the bottom the best to use with fat like ribeye or chuck or lamb then add some carrots if you like layer the grape leaves on top the meat beside each other6: mix the ingredients for the liquid and add on top the grape leaves.7: add the metal thing on top that comes with the instant pot to hold them in place.8: close the pressure cooker and set on pressure setting for 30 minutes if you adding meat if making only grape leaves need 15 minutes.Note: this way in making grape leaves with meat should be eaten while still hot.