Baked Stuffed Grape Leaves

Baked Stuffed Grape Leaves are a delightful Lebanese dish that offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and aromatic flavors. These tender grape leaves are lovingly filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, then baked to perfection for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Grape leaves - 200 grams (about 30 leaves)
• Short-grain rice - 100 grams
• Ground beef or lamb - 100 grams
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Fresh mint - 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon
• Water - 300 milliliters

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a bowl, combine the rice, ground beef or lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, diced tomato, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Rinse the grape leaves in cold water and remove any stems. If using preserved leaves, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften.
4. Lay a grape leaf shiny side down on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling near the stem end of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly from the stem end to the tip.
5. Repeat the process with the remaining grape leaves and filling.
6. Place the stuffed grape leaves seam side down in a baking dish. Add the water to the dish and drizzle with a little more olive oil.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
8. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the tops to crisp slightly.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with more lemon juice if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from grape leaves and fresh herbs.
• Good source of lean protein and fiber, aiding in digestion.

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