Grape Leaf Dolma Recipes

Steps:

• Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onions until tender. Stir in rice and hot water to cover. Cover and simmer until rice is half cooked, about 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in tomato paste, currants, pine nuts, cinnamon, mint leaves, dill weed, allspice and cumin. Let mixture cool.
• Prepare a large pot by placing an inverted plate on the bottom; this protects the dolmas from direct heat when steaming.
• Rinse grape leaves in warm water; drain and cut off any stems. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cooled rice mixture in the center of a leaf. Fold in the sides and then roll into a cigar shape. Place in prepared pot. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
• Pour in just enough warm water to reach the bottom of the first layer of dolmas. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes, or until rice is totally cooked. Check the water level often and add more as necessary.

Steps:

• Because these leaves are packed in brine it is important to rinse them well in warm water before using.
• Separate the most perfect leaves from those which are imperfect.
• Line the bottom of a glass baking dish with the imperfect leaves.
• It is okay to line several layers.
• These imperfect leaves act as a cushioning layer for the stuffed rolls and will be discarded after baking.
• Mix stuffing ingredients thoroughly.
• Place a grape leaf vein side up and stem end toward you on the counter. Near the base put 1 heaping teaspoon of stuffing.
• Fold both sides over stuffing and roll up from the base end to the tip.
• It is important to roll them tightly so that they don't become unrolled while cooking them.
• Lay the rolls very close to each other in rows.
• It is okay to make several layers if necessary.
• Pour in warm water that will barely cover the first layer.
• .
• Cover dish and bake in oven at 350 degrees about 45 minutes.