Gagauz-style Stuffed Grape Leaves (Yaprak Dolması)
Yaprak Dolması is a traditional dish in Gagauz cuisine, featuring grape leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and spices. This dish is popular for its delicious taste and unique presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 jar of grape leaves
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of pine nuts
- 1/4 cup of currants
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the grape leaves by rinsing them under cold water and draining them.
- In a large bowl, combine the rice, onion, olive oil, pine nuts, currants, dill, mint, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- Place a grape leaf on a flat surface, shiny side down. Place a spoonful of the rice mixture in the center of the leaf.
- Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top.
- Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling mixture.
- Place the stuffed grape leaves in a large pot, seam side down, in a single layer. Place the lemon slices on top.
- Add enough water to cover the grape leaves, then place a plate on top to keep them submerged.
- Cover the pot and cook over medium heat for 1 hour.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let the grape leaves cool in the pot.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve at room temperature.
Cooking & Preparation
- Preparation time:
- 30 minutes
- Cooking time:
- 1 hour
- Total time:
- 1 hour
- Cooking method
- Stovetop
Nutritional facts per 1 serving
- Calories
- 200 per serving
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Protein
- 5g
- Fat
- 4g
Supplies
Large pot Large bowl Plate Serving platter
Tools
Spoon Knife
Serving suggestions
Serving suggestion: Serve with a side of yogurt and a fresh salad.
Tips & tricks
Tip: If the grape leaves are too sour, you can soak them in water for a few hours before using them in the recipe.
Cost
$10