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Steamed rice with grape leaves, the pure spray of the Mediterranean

I like the Mediterranean because of the warm and fragrant sea breeze, light and delicious seafood, crimson wine, golden lemon, green olive...

By Nancy MahoneyPublished 2 years ago 3 min read
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I like the Mediterranean because of the warm and fragrant sea breeze, light and delicious seafood, crimson wine, golden lemon, green olive... I am infatuated with the Mediterranean because of the calm and transparent sea surface, the blue and white pure sky, the concise outline of roof tiles and doors and windows... And the most traditional cuisine overflowing from this pure and beautiful ocean - grape leaf steamed rice is just like the purest spray, Zhijiao people can't resist falling in love with the Mediterranean life of returning to nature.

The simple name of grape leaf steamed rice is also reflected in its appearance. Its appearance is ordinary and even vulgar, and there is no bright spot. However, the ordinary appearance can not hide the inner beauty - it has a history of thousands of years. It reflects the brilliance of culture, the simplicity and warmth of life. Who can deny that the small grape leaf steamed rice is the epitome of the purest simplicity of the Mediterranean!

Enjoy BaoFan DIY

Grape leaf rice stuffing is divided into meat stuffing based on minced meat and rice and vegetable stuffing based on rice and vegetables. Among them, the plain stuffing is cooked with olive oil. In addition to rice, it also includes raisins, onions, nuts, beans and even melons and fruits. It is usually called "fake", that is, it is not filled with meat. If you want to make grape leaf rice by yourself, the process is also very simple.

Ingredients: about 30 ~ 35 fresh large grape leaves, 200g lean meat, 250g rice, 1 onion, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 20g fresh mint leaves, 1 cup lemon juice, pine nuts, almonds, raisins, salt, black pepper and pepper are optional according to your preferences.

Boil the leaves, add 1 / 3 cup lemon juice and an appropriate amount of salt to the boiled water, cook the grape leaves for 3 minutes until soft, remove and cool.

Mix the stuffing and stir fry the rice in the frying pan for 3 minutes (or soak the rice in hot water for 10 minutes). Then mix the filling: pour rice, minced meat, olive oil, 1 / 3 cup lemon juice and all other ingredients and seasonings into a small basin and mix well.

Roll the leaves, put the back of the grape leaves upward on the chopping board, and remove the petiole with a knife; Put a full spoonful of stuffing in the center of the leaf, pinch it into a sausage shape, and fold it from the lower left and right corners of the leaf respectively; Then fold the left and right sides of the leaves towards the center; Then press the end of the petiole with your fingers and gently roll it up. Be sure to put the seam down on the chopping board to prevent cracking! Make each leaf into a rice bag and repeat all the steps.

Stew and boil, spread the grape leaves in the pan, stack the grape leaves on it for 2 ~ 4 layers, then spread some fresh grape leaves on it, and finally press a plate to avoid displacement when the water boils. Add a little water over the plate. After the pot boils, pour in the remaining lemon juice (or add lemon slices), and then simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.

Preservation: the prepared grape leaf steamed rice can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Generally, it is served directly cold. But remember to pour some olive oil or lemon juice on it before freezing to avoid drying.

Warm Mediterranean style

Grape leaf steamed rice can be used as an appetizer to feel the unique cool seafood of the Mediterranean; It is also suitable for small dinner parties. It can be served with ketchup, oil and vinegar sauce, yogurt sauce or lemon flavor seasoning - such as "avgolemono sauce" commonly used in Greek cooking. The whole dinner is full of simple and lazy temperament.

Fragrant grape leaf steamed rice

Turkey's grape leaf steamed rice is called "Dolma". Its meat stuffing mainly includes minced meat, rice, onions, pine nuts and spices. The plain stuffing is rice, olive oil, raisins, dried figs, dill, mint, melons and fruits and spices (usually five spice powder, cinnamon and black pepper).

If you don't want to do it yourself, you can also choose your favorite restaurant to taste on the website yummyadvisor .

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About the Creator

Nancy Mahoney

Love freedom and peace, love photography, food and travel, Share the Turkish dishes,feel free to leave me a comment. More detil in yummyadvisor.

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