Stuffed Grape Leaves with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce bring flavor.

Name: Stuffed Grape Leaves with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce bring flavor.
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon allspice; 1/4 cup olive oil, divided; 1 jar (16 ounces) grape leaves in brine, rinsed and drained; 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup vegetable broth or water

Chef Hicham7 hours ago

0 2 18 minutes read

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How to Make Stuffed Grape Leaves with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce

Now that you’re all set with the ingredients, let’s dive into the heart of the matter: making these delightful Stuffed Grape Leaves with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce. I promise, it’s easier than it sounds! With just a few steps, you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress your family. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!

Step 1 – Prep Ingredients

First things first, let’s get our ingredients ready. Start by rinsing the grape leaves under cold water to wash away that briny taste. Trust me, this little step makes a world of difference! Then, finely chop your onion and garlic. I like to use a sharp knife for this—there’s something satisfying about the sound of a good chop, isn’t there? And don’t forget to wash and chop your fresh parsley and mint. The aroma of these herbs will have your kitchen smelling like a Mediterranean paradise!

Step 2 – Begin Cooking

In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes. This is where the magic begins! The smell will be heavenly, and your family will start to wonder what’s cooking.

Next, stir in the uncooked rice, parsley, mint, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and allspice. Cook this mixture for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the rice to soak up all those delicious flavors. Once it’s well combined, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. This is a great time to take a deep breath and enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Step 3 – Combine Ingredients

Now comes the fun part—rolling the grape leaves! Lay a grape leaf flat on a clean surface, vein side up. Place about 1 tablespoon of the rice mixture at the base of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly from the base to the tip. It’s like wrapping a little present! Repeat this process with the remaining leaves and filling. If you have any picky eaters in the family, you can even let them join in on the fun. Kids love hands-on activities, and who knows, they might just surprise you with their rolling skills!

Step 4 – Finish and Serve

In a large pot, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling adventurous), and the remaining olive oil. Stir well and bring this mixture to a simmer. The vibrant colors and rich aroma will have you dreaming of summer picnics!

Now, arrange the stuffed grape leaves seam side down in the pot, packing them tightly. Pour the vegetable broth or water over the leaves, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes. This is the perfect time to set the table or catch up on your favorite show. Just remember to check on them occasionally, so they don’t get too cozy in there!

Once the rice is fully cooked and the leaves are tender, allow the grape leaves to cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of yogurt on the side. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!

And there you have it! A delicious, comforting dish of Stuffed Grape Leaves with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Introduction to Stuffed Grape Leaves with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce

Welcome to the world of Stuffed Grape Leaves with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a delightful journey through Mediterranean flavors that has been cherished for generations. Originating from the heart of the Mediterranean, stuffed grape leaves, or dolmas, have a rich history that connects families and cultures. They’re often served at gatherings, celebrations, and even as a comforting family dinner. The combination of tender grape leaves wrapped around a savory filling, all bathed in a luscious cinnamon-infused tomato sauce, is simply irresistible!

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “That sounds lovely, but I’m busy!” Trust me, I get it. As a busy woman myself, juggling work, family, and everything in between, finding time to cook can feel like a daunting task. But here’s the good news: this recipe is designed with you in mind! It’s quick to prepare, and the ingredients are easy to find. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some healthy veggies and grains into your family’s diet without them even noticing!

Imagine coming home after a long day, and in just about an hour, you can have a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table. The best part? You can make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day or freeze them for a busy week ahead. These Stuffed Grape Leaves with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a lifesaver for your schedule. So, let’s dive into this flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Grape Leaves with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce

Let’s be real for a moment: life can get hectic! Between work, family commitments, and the never-ending to-do lists, finding time to whip up a delicious meal can feel like a Herculean task. That’s where these Stuffed Grape Leaves with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce come to the rescue! Not only are they packed with flavor, but they also come with a quick prep time and minimal cleanup, making them a perfect fit for your busy lifestyle.

First off, let’s talk about the prep time. You can have these delightful grape leaves ready to go in just about 15 minutes! Yes, you heard that right! In the time it takes to scroll through social media or catch up on the latest news, you can chop, mix, and roll your way to a fantastic meal. And once you’ve got those little bundles of joy simmering away, you can kick back and relax while they do their thing. It’s like having a personal chef, minus the hefty price tag!

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “But what about the cleanup?” Fear not, my friend! This recipe is designed to keep things simple. With just a medium saucepan and a large pot, you won’t be left with a mountain of dishes to tackle afterward. Plus, the ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, so you won’t be rummaging through your pantry for hours. It’s a win-win situation!

But wait, there’s more! One of the best things about these Stuffed Grape Leaves with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce is their family-friendly flavors. The combination of rice, fresh herbs, and spices creates a savory filling that even the pickiest eaters will love. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this dish, only to hear my kids exclaim, “Yum! Can we have this again tomorrow?” It’s music to my ears! And if you have little ones who are hesitant about trying new foods, the fun of rolling the grape leaves can turn them into enthusiastic little chefs. Who knew cooking could be such a bonding experience?

Now, let’s not forget about versatility! This dish is like a blank canvas, ready for you to add your personal touch. Want to make it heartier? Toss in some ground lamb or beef for a meaty filling. Looking for a gluten-free option? Swap out the rice for quinoa! The possibilities are endless, and you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs. It’s a dish that grows with you, making it a staple in your kitchen for years to come.

So, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a dish to impress guests, or a way to sneak in some healthy ingredients, these Stuffed Grape Leaves with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce have got you covered. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe in your life!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather our ingredients for these delightful Stuffed Grape Leaves with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice: This is the base of our filling, providing a hearty texture. You can swap it for quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a gluten-free or lower-carb option.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Onions add a sweet and savory depth to the filling. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped onions or even onion powder in a pinch.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a wonderful aroma and flavor. If you’re not a fan of fresh garlic, garlic powder can work too, but fresh is always best!
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped: This herb adds brightness and freshness. If you don’t have parsley, cilantro or basil can be great substitutes.
1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped: Mint gives a refreshing twist to the dish. If fresh mint isn’t available, dried mint can be used, but reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors. Feel free to adjust based on your dietary needs.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick to balance the flavors. You can use white pepper if you prefer a milder taste.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This is the star of our cinnamon tomato sauce, adding warmth and a hint of sweetness. It’s a unique twist that elevates the dish!
1/4 teaspoon allspice: This spice adds a complex flavor profile. If you don’t have allspice, a pinch of nutmeg or cloves can work as a substitute.
1/4 cup olive oil, divided: Olive oil is used for sautéing and drizzling. You can replace it with avocado oil or any neutral oil if you prefer.
1 jar (16 ounces) grape leaves in brine, rinsed and drained: These are the wrappers for our filling. If you can’t find grape leaves, you can use blanched cabbage leaves as an alternative.
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes: This forms the base of our sauce. You can use fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand, just chop them up!
1 tablespoon tomato paste: This thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor. If you’re out of tomato paste, you can use more diced tomatoes, but the sauce may be a bit thinner.
1 teaspoon sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can use honey or maple syrup as a natural alternative.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: This herb adds a lovely Mediterranean flavor. Feel free to use Italian seasoning if you have it!
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat! If you’re cooking for kids or prefer milder flavors, you can skip this.
1 cup vegetable broth or water: This helps to cook the grape leaves and infuse flavor. Chicken broth can be used for a richer taste.

And there you have it! A simple yet flavorful lineup of ingredients that come together to create a dish your family will love. If you’re looking for printable measurements, don’t worry! You can find them at the end of this article. Now, let’s get ready to roll those grape leaves and create something truly special!