Servings: 4-6

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 jar (16 oz) grape leaves (about 50 leaves)

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1/2 cup uncooked rice (short-grain or long-grain)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped or dried

• 1 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Juice of 2 lemons (divided)

• 2 cups chicken or beef broth (or water)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Grape Leaves:

• Remove the grape leaves from the jar and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess brine.

2. Make the Filling:

• In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, rice, onion, parsley, mint, salt, pepper, and the juice of 1 lemon until well combined.

3. Stuff and Roll the Grape Leaves:

• Lay a grape leaf flat on a clean surface, shiny side down. Trim any thick stems.

• Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling near the base of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly into a cylinder, similar to a burrito.

• Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

4. Assemble in the Pot:

• Line the bottom of a large, heavy pot with a few grape leaves to prevent sticking.

• Arrange the stuffed grape leaves seam-side down in a circular pattern, stacking them snugly in layers.

5. Cook the Stuffed Grape Leaves:

• Pour the broth (or water), remaining lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil over the stuffed leaves.

• Place a heatproof plate or lid on top of the leaves to keep them from unraveling while cooking.

• Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer gently for 45-60 minutes, or until the rice and beef are fully cooked.

6. Serve:

• Remove the grape leaves carefully from the pot and arrange them on a platter.

• Serve with Tzatziki sauce