Description
Stuffed Grape Leaves with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce bring flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, parsley, mint, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and allspice. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- 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. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- In a large pot, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, red pepper flakes, and remaining olive oil. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- 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 simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the leaves are tender.
- Allow the grape leaves to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of yogurt if desired.
Notes
- For a meatier filling, add 1/2 pound of ground lamb or beef to the rice mixture before cooking.
- Experiment with spices by adding a pinch of cumin or coriander to the filling for an extra flavor kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Stuffed Grape Leaves with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce