STUFFED GRAPEVINE LEAVES 
1 jar grapevine leaves (1 pt.)
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef, or 1 lb. ground beef and 1/2 lb. ground pork
2 1/2 tsp. salt
Pepper
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 onions, grated
1 c. long grain rice
Juice of 1 1/2 lemons
1/2 c. chopped parsley
1/4 c. dill
1/4 c. mint
1/4 c. butter
2 c. beef or chicken broth
4 to 8 tbsp. lemon juice

Rinse leaves in cold water. Let stand in warm water as dolmades are being prepared. (If necessary, simmer leaves in water for 10 minutes to soften.)

Combine ground meat with next 9 ingredients, adding 3/4 cup water to make a soft, loose mixture. Place 1 teaspoon filling in center of a grapevine leaf (ribbed side) and shape in narrow roll. May be frozen at this point. Line deep saucepan with grapevine leaves and arrange dolmades in layers. Add butter, broth and lemon juice and cover with inverted plate. Simmer covered, for about 45 minutes, or until rice is tender. May be served with Egg-Lemon Sauce.

Makes about 65 rolls.

For oven: Place rolls in deep baking pan. Barely cover with broth and butter. Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until rice is tender.

For pressure cooker: Add butter and 1 cup water. Cook 12 minutes under 15 pounds pressure.

EGG-LEMON SAUCE:

3 eggs, well beaten
1/4 c. water
Juice of 2 lemons

In mixing bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy; add lemon juice and water, blending well. Gradually add hot liquid to Dolmades, a little at a time, until eggs are lukewarm, beating constantly. Remove saucepan from heat; pour egg sauce slowly over Dolmades. Shake saucepan to spread sauce evenly. Serve at once.

recipe reviews
Stuffed Grapevine Leaves
   #52279
 Jack (Georgia) says:
I changed them just a little. I added 1 lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon and I used ground turkey ( to lower the calories & fat). After cooking I let them drain on a towel and as I was putting them in a container I also lightly sprayed with olive oil and dripped fresh lemon juice on them. I was raised with dolmades I never had them made with turkey. They turned out better than any restaurant that I have ever ordered them from. (don't tell my mother they are better than hers)
   #181642
 Rick M. McGarry (Michigan) says:
I made it without butter or oil. I thought it came out fine.

 

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