Stuffed Grape Leaves With Egg-Lemon Sauce
Grrrrrgh!
Course : Greek
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 6
 

Ingredients:

16 ounces grape leaves - -- (1 jar)
2 cups chicken broth -- fresh or canned
1 medium lemon -- juice only
1 recipe egg-lemon sauce -- see * note
--- filling ---
1 cup long-grain rice -- raw
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup yellow onions -- chopped
1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley -- chopped
1 tablespoon dried dillweed
1 medium lemon -- juice of
1 pound lean lamb -- ground
1 teaspoon allspice
2 cloves garlic -- crushed
1 teaspoon salt -- to taste
1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper -- to taste
 

Preparation:

* Note: See the "Egg-Lemon Sauce" recipe which is included in this collection. Mix all the ingredients for the filling. Pick out the smallest leaves in the jar and set aside. Use some of these leaves to place a single layer on the bottom of a 2-quart heavy-lidded kettle. Cut the stems off the grape leaves. Spread a leaf on the counter, bottom side up, stem end toward you. Place 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center of the leaf. Fold the stem end over the filling, then fold the sides over to secure the filling, then roll from you toward the tip of the leaf, forming a small cigar or cylinder. The size should be approximately 2 1/2-inches long and 3/4-inch wide. Do not wrap these too tightly; the rice needs room for expansion when it cooks. Place the rolled leaves on top of the single layer in the bottom of the pot. Place the rolls up against each other rather tightly so they will not come undone while cooking. Cover them with a layer of unrolled leaves, then add another layer of rolled leaves. Continue until all rolled leaves are in the pot. Top with the remaining unrolled leaves. Place a medium plate over the top of the leaves as a weight. Mix the chicken stock and lemon juice for the broth and pour over the leaves in the pot. Cover and bring to a light simmer. Cook 1 hour. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool for 1 more hour. Do not remove the lid or the leaves will darken. Serve warm with Egg-Lemon Sauce on top. This recipe serves 6 to 8 as an appetizer course. Comments: There was a time in Greek history when certain people were so hungry they took to eating the leaves from the grape vines. From that time of destitution comes this flavorful dish.