My Lebanese Grandma was an incredible cook. She made the most amazing meals with Syrian bread, rice (like no one else can duplicate), kibbee, cabbage rolls, and of course grape leaf rolls. The gift was then handed down to my mother, who is also gifted in the kitchen. We were treated to our Lebanese favorites for special occasions, and holidays mostly. Then, as I grew older, I wanted to learn to make some of these amazing dishes. Unfortunately, I don't count myself as "gifted" in the kitchen, but given a recipe and enough practice, it has the potenial to come out right! That said, I made grape leaf rolls for our Lebanese family Thanksgiving, and it was the hit of the party!! I was so pleased they turned out right for those who would actually know what they're supposed to taste like! :) I was then invited to make them for another Thanksgiving celebration. I took a picture, and added the recipe for any inspired to cook!
INGREDIENTS:
- Grape Leaves
- 1 1/2 pound Ground Meat (Lamb, Beef, or Turkey)
- 1 cup of Rice
- Lemon Juice
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Cinnamon to taste
DIRECTIONS:
- Mix in a bowl together by hand: Meat, Rice, Salt & Pepper, and Cinnamon
- Layout 1 grape leaf, cut off stem, place a 2 inch roll of meat mixure at the top of the leaf, tuck in sides, and roll tight. (repeat until meat is gone)
- Place leaves in a circle around your big cooking pot or crockpot
- Once all your grape leaf rolls are in position, pour in lemon juice halfway to top of rolls, then add water to cover all the rolls.
- Bring to a boil, then med-low heat for about an hour
- Taste to make sure the rice is cooked, not crunchy
- Serve over rice, with hummas, flat bread, kibbee, etc...
ENJOY!!
