Pontic Style Stuffed Grape Leaves (Ποντιακά Γεμιστά Αμπελόφυλλα)

Ποντιακά Γεμιστά Αμπελόφυλλα, or Pontic Style Stuffed Grape Leaves, are a traditional dish from the Pontic Greek cuisine. These delicious grape leaves are filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, creating a perfect appetizer or main dish.

Vegetarian Vegan If Using Olive Oil Instead Of Butter Appetizer Pontic Greek Stuffed Grape Leaves Vegan
Pontic Style Stuffed Grape Leaves (Ποντιακά Γεμιστά Αμπελόφυλλα)

Ingredients

  • 1 jar of grape leaves, about 30 leaves
  • 1 cup of short-grain rice
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup of fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/4 cup of fresh mint, chopped
  • 1/4 cup of pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup of currants
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the grape leaves under cold water and drain well.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the rice, onion, dill, mint, pine nuts, and currants.
  3. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the rice mixture and combine well.
  4. Place a grape leaf on a flat surface, shiny side down, and add a spoonful of the rice mixture near the stem end of the leaf.
  5. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly.
  6. Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling.
  7. Place the stuffed grape leaves in a large pot, seam side down, in a single layer.
  8. Add enough water to cover the grape leaves, then place a heatproof plate on top to keep them from unraveling during cooking.
  9. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
  10. Remove from heat and let the grape leaves cool in the pot before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
45 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
150 per serving
Carbohydrates
25g
Protein
3g
Fat
5g

Supplies

Large bowl Large pot Heatproof plate

Tools

Knife Cutting board Strainer

Serving suggestions

Serve the stuffed grape leaves with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips & tricks

For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the rice mixture before filling the grape leaves.

Cost

$10