Yalanchi or Sarma - (Cold Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Yalanchi Sarma - (Cold Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Ingredients:

1/3 cup fresh parsley chopped
1 cup rice
4 large onions chopped fine
1 jar (16 ozs.) grape leaves
1/2 cup olive oil
2 lemons
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp. dried mint leaves (optional)
1 cup water

Directions

1. Sauté onions in olive oil - until transparent but do not brown. Remove from heat.

2. Add rice, salt and pepper, juice of one lemon and ½ cup water; stir. Add parsley and allow to cool.

3. Wash grape leaves to remove brine. Remove any stems. Place scant tablespoon of the rice and parsley filling crossways onto the bottom end of each grape leaf. Fold stem-end over, then fold sides over partially covered filling then roll loosely.

4. Line the bottom of 2 1/2 quart covered pan with the left-over grape leaves. Place rolled grape leaves with the filling, seam side down, onto the bottom of the pan. Arrange in layers. Add 1/2 cup water then drizzle additional teaspoon of olive oil over the rolls. Squeeze the juice of the remaining lemon over the rolls.

5. Cover, bring to a boil and the reduce heat and simmer for approximately 1 hour.