Yaprak Sarma

Yaprak Sarma is a delicious Turkish dish made of vine leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of high-protein ingredients, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. This healthy option is perfect for a nutritious lunch, packed with flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• Vine leaves - 200 grams
• Ground beef - 150 grams
• Brown rice - 50 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh parsley - 30 grams, chopped
• Fresh dill - 15 grams, chopped
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon - 1, juiced
• Water - 250 ml

Steps

1. Rinse the vine leaves in cold water and soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften.
2. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
4. Stir in the brown rice, tomato paste, parsley, dill, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Add lemon juice and mix well.
6. Lay a vine leaf flat on a clean surface. Place a tablespoon of the filling at the base of the leaf, fold in the sides, and roll tightly to secure the filling. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
7. In a large pot, place the rolled sarma seam-side down. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and add water to cover the rolls.
8. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low heat for about 45-50 minutes until the rice is cooked and the flavors meld.
9. Let the sarma rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 24 g
• Carbs: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from the ground beef, supporting muscle health.
• Rich in fiber from the brown rice and vine leaves, promoting digestive health.

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