Stuffed grape leaves are traditional to the Mediterranean Diet. You will find this delectable appetizer on the menu from Lebanon to Cyprus, from Turkey to Greece. Each country has their own popular ingredients for stuffing grape leaves, with the most common being rice and ground meat such as lamb or pork. The spices will also vary by cuisine, and of course there are variations within the cultures, from table to table.
This version is a traditional Cretan recipe with mellow flavoring and brightness coming from onion and a generous pour of lemon juice in the recipe. You’ll find these grape leaves to be positively delicious. They pair well w/ a spiced Greek yogurt, cucumbers, tomatoes and hummus plates.
Perhaps you are intimidated by the prospect of making stuffed grape leaves? Koula shows you how easy it is to make grape leaves in the video below:
Try our recipe and you’ll discover that working with grape leaves is simply a breeze. You will find them readily available jarred in brine at most major grocery stores.
Enjoy!
Photo Credit: Christine Dutton
Greek Stuffed Grape Leaves (Recipe and How-to Video)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh or preserved (jarred) grape leaves
- 1 cup onions, grated
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp. fresh mint, chopped
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup dry white rice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the grape leaves. If using fresh grape leaves, after rinsing, boil them in water with salt for 5 minutes.
- Mix the onions, dill, parsley, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, rice, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Lay out each individual grape leaf and place a spoonful of the onion rice mixture on the grape leaf and wrap the grape leaf. Place layers of stuffed grape leaves in a large pot. Add two cups of water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil with a little salt. Cover stuffed grape leaves with a plate and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Drain and serve warm grape leaves with yogurt or sour cream.
This is a great recipe! I made it for my family and they loved it. I did make a few changes though. I used feta cheese instead of goat cheese and I also added some red pepper flakes to give it a little
This is a great recipe! I made it for my family and they loved it. I did make a few changes though. I used feta cheese instead of goat cheese and I also added some red pepper flakes to give it a little