YALANCHI SARMA (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES)

      Title: YALANCHI SARMA (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES)
  Categories: Greece, Vegetarian
       Yield: 4 Servings
  
       1 qt Water
       8 oz Preserved grape leaves
            - stems removed
       1 c  Cooked rice
       1 md Onion; grated
       2 tb Fresh parsley, minced
       2    Tomatoes; finely chopped
       1 ts Dried mint
     1/2 ts Allspice
       1    Garlic clove; minced
       1    Lemon, juiced
            -water (as needed)
  
   In a medium saucepan place the water and bring it to a boil. Remove
   the pan from the heat and add the grape leaves. Let the grape leaves
   sit in the hot water for 10 minutes. Remove them from the water and
   set them aside.
   
   In a medium bowl, place the cooked rice, onions, parsley, tomatoes,
   dried mint, allspice, and garlic. Mix the ingredients together well.
   Let the mixture sit for 2 hours.
   
   In the center of each grape leaf place a small amount of the rice
   mixture. Fold the bottom of the grape leaf up and the sides over.
   Roll the grape leaf up.
   
   Line the bottom of a large saucepan with some of the grape leaves.
   Place the rolled grape leaves on top, seam side down, so that they
   are tightly packed.
   
   Sprinkle on the lemon juice.  Add enough water to cover the rolled
   grape leaves.  Place an oven-proof plate on top of the rolled grape
   leaves to press them down. Cover the pot and bring the liquid to a
   boil over high heat.  Reduce the heat to low and simmer the rolled
   grape leaves for 45 to 60 minutes, or until most of the water is
   absorbed. Let them sit for 1 hour before serving.
   
   Source: Papa Garo's - Redondo Beach, California "Southern California
   Beach Recipe" by Joan and Carl Stromquist ISBN: 0-9622807-3-9 Typed
   for you by Karen Mintzias
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