Yaprak Sarma (Vegetarian Turkish Stuffed Grape Leaves)
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5.0
6 reviews
Excellent
Yaprak Sarma (Vegetarian Turkish Stuffed Grape Leaves)
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This Yaprak Sarma recipe is a vegan and gluten-free Turkish-style stuffed grape leaf. Unlike dolmades, which are often only filled with seasoned rice, these have way more fun stuff going on, like currants, pine nuts, mint, and pepper paste.
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Ingredients
For the leaves:
- 1.1 lbs. fresh grape leaves or use 454 g. of jarred prepared grape leaves
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
Stuffing:
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ cup onion diced
- 1 cup rice uncooked
- 1 ⅔ cups water
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup tomato diced
- 1 tablespoon tatli biber salçası Turkish pepper paste, or tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried mint
- ¼ cup dried currants
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ cup fresh dill chopped
- ½ cup flat-leaf parsley chopped
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup water
To serve:
- ⅓ cup mutabal or labneh (optional)
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts toasted
- flat-leaf parsley leaves
- fresh lemon wedges
Instructions
- If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them for 45 seconds in boiling water and then rinse and pat dry. For jarred grape leaves, drain, rinse, and pat them dry.
- In a Dutch oven or thick-bottomed pot over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden, then set them aside.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil for 60 seconds over medium heat. When the oil is hot, sauté onions for three minutes until slightly translucent.
- Add the rice, water, lemon juice, and tatli biber salçası (or tomato paste) into the pot. Stir in diced tomatoes, currants, dried mint, black pepper, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Place a lid on the pot and bring up to a vigorous steam over high heat. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-18 minutes covered until the rice is just tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the toasted pine nuts, fresh dill, and finely chopped flat-leaf parsley into the rice filling.
- Place a grape leaf on a clean surface, add a tablespoon of the stuffing, and roll it tightly, tucking in the sides like a thin burrito. If there are any tears in the grape leaf, you can double wrap using a second grape leaf. Repeat with all grape leaves and stuffing.
- Line the bottom of a pot with a few additional grape leaves to prevent sticking, arrange the rolls over the bottom (it’s ok to stack them), drizzle all over with olive oil, and add water. Bring to a vigorous steam over medium heat, then cover and simmer over low heat for 30-35 minutes.
- Serve either hot or at room temperature and garnish with parsley leaves, additional pine nuts, and lemon wedges.
Equipments used:
Notes
- 🌿 Handle Grape Leaves with Care: Whether using fresh or jarred grape leaves, be gentle. If fresh, blanch them just enough to make them pliable. For jarred, rinse to remove brine. Don't fret if a few tear; use them to line the pot's bottom to prevent sticking.
- 🌿
- 🌯 Roll Neatly: When rolling, aim for tight, neat parcels. Like making lahana sarma (stuffed cabbage), practice helps. Take your time; each one should be neater than the last. If you get a tear in your grape leaf, double-wrap it with a second leaf.
- 🌯
- 🍽️ Layer for Success: To prevent unraveling during cooking, layer the rolls closely in the pot. Use grape leaves at the bottom to avoid sticking, and ensure they're well-oiled.
- 🍽️
- 🔥 Simmer Gently: Cook with a slow, steady simmer in a covered pot. A Dutch oven is ideal for even heat distribution. Added tip: When simmering, a splash of lemon juice can enhance the flavors, so don't be afraid to try it. Remember, patience leads to perfection.
- 🔥
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
249kcal
(12%)
Carbohydrates
25g
(8%)
Protein
5g
(10%)
Fat
16g
(25%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
10g
Sodium
216mg
(9%)
Potassium
263mg
(8%)
Fiber
6g
(24%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
11872IU
(237%)
Vitamin C
13mg
(14%)
Calcium
173mg
(17%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12(about 36 grape leaves)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 249 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 249kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Sodium | 216mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 263mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 11872IU | 237% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 173mg | 17% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
6 reviews
Excellent
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