Dolmathes - Stuffed Grape Vine Leaves

Recipe from:   Claudia - courtesy of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church ladies in Town & Country, MO.

This makes enough for at least 4 people!

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/4 lb. ground pork, optional
• 2  onions, diced
• 1 c. long grain rice
• 3 TBS chopped parsley
• 2 TBS chopped mint leaves
• 1/4 tsp of cumin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 can (6oz) tomato pasted diluted with 1 can (6oz) water
• 1 TBSP lemon juice
• 1 small jar of vine leaves OR FRESH leaves 14-20 if you can get them!

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine meat, onions, rice, parsley, mint, cumin, salt, pepper and 3/4 of tomato past with water. Set aside.

2. Rinse leaves in cold water adn drain. Separate leaves, but off stems and cut large leaves in half.

3. Put dull side of leaf up. place 1-2 rounded TBS of mixture at base of leave. Fold sides to center and roll.

4. In bottom of a large pot, place a few large leaves. Layer stuffed leaves, seam side down on top of leaves in pot.

5. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 of the tomato paste and water, lemon juice and enough hot water to just cover the tops of the rolled leaves.

6. Place an inverted plate (I used a glass lid from an old crock pot) on top of all of it, and cook slowly over low heat for 45-60 minutes. 

Serve on top of rice, or orzo, or polenta.... delicious!