Grape Leaves Dolma

Grape Leaves Dolma

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium onions, minced
1 lb Ground Beef or Lamb
1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon dried dill weed
1 can chopped tomatoes
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper
1 16oz jar grape leaves, drained and rinsed
2 cans chicken broth

Directions

1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onions until tender. Stir in rice and hot water to cover. Cover and simmer until rice is half cooked, about 10 minutes.

2. Remove from heat and stir in tomato paste, dill weed, allspice and cumin. Let mixture cool.

3. Prepare a large pot by placing grape leaves you do not use on the bottom; this protects the dolmas from direct heat when steaming.

4. Rinse grape leaves in warm water; drain and cut off any stems. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cooled rice mixture in the center of a leaf. Fold in the sides and then roll into a cigar shape. Place in prepared pot. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

5. Pour in just enough warm water to reach the bottom of the first layer of dolmas. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes, or until rice is totally cooked. Check the broth level often and add more as necessary.