Tomato Rice Stuffed Vine Leaves
Tender vine leaves filled with tomato-seasoned rice, fresh herbs, and warm spices, then gently braised with lemon and olive oil.
Instructions
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Step 1
Rinse the vine leaves thoroughly under cool water and leave them to drain.
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Step 2
Prepare the onion, garlic, tomatoes, parsley, and dill as indicated in the ingredient list.
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Step 3
Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cool water until the runoff is mostly clear, then drain well.
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Step 4
Heat 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened but not browned.
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Step 5
Add the garlic and cook over medium heat until fragrant.
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Step 6
Stir in the rice, 2 ⅝ piece (300 gr) tomato, 1 tsp (6 gr) salt, black pepper, and allspice. Cook over medium heat until the tomato has softened and the rice has absorbed some liquid.
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Step 7
Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the parsley, dill, and dried mint. Let the filling cool until comfortable to handle.
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Step 8
Coat the bottom of a large pot with 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil.
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Step 9
Lay each vine leaf vein-side up. Place a small spoonful of filling near the stem end, fold in the sides, and roll snugly toward the tip; arrange the rolls seam-side down in tightly packed layers in the pot.
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Step 10
Whisk ⅞ piece (100 gr) tomato with the water, lemon juice, 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, and ¾ tsp (4 gr) salt. Pour the braising liquid evenly over the rolls.
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Step 11
Set a heatproof plate directly over the rolls to keep them submerged. Cover the pot, bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low heat and cook until the rice and leaves are tender.
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Step 12
Remove the pot from the heat and leave the stuffed leaves covered to rest before serving warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition (Estimated)
Food safety
Caution: moderate
Serve promptly or refrigerate within 2 hours. Keep leftovers chilled and consume within 3 days; if reheating, heat throughout to 74°C.
Risk factors
- Cooked rice can support bacterial growth if held warm or at room temperature for too long.
- Hot braising liquid and trapped steam can cause burns.