Grapes Leaves Stuffed with Meat and Bulgur

Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef or lamb
  • 1 tbsp. chopped mint optional
  • 2 onions chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup #2 medium or #3 coarse bulgur
  • 1/2 stick butter optional
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (1 can)
  • 1 clove minced garlic optional
  • 3 tbsp. lemon juice
  • Grape leaves
  • 2 tbsp. chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Combine meat, onions, bulgur, 1/2 of tomato sauce, lemon juice, parsley, mint, and seasonings. Blend well. Cut stem from washed grape leaves. Place rough side up and place a small amount of the mixture on the leaf, tuck in the sides and roll up. Cover bottom of pan with several plain leaves; then arrange stuffed leaves side by side in layer. Pour remainder of tomato sauce over top, cut butter into pieces and place on top, scattering here and there. Add 1 cup of water, cover and cook for 45 minutes. Serve hot. Try a toping of yogurt (optional). Variation: Use cabbage leaves in place of grape leaves. Soften leaves in boiling water until limp; follow as above.