Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmades)

[Kitchen Witch]

Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmades)
Ingredients (use vegan versions):

* 1 medium onion, minced fine
* 1cup olive oil
* 1cup uncooked long grain rice
* 1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth
* 1/2 cup tomato juice or sauce
* 3 tablespoons raisins, minced fine
* 3 tablespoons pine nuts, chopped fine
* 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped fine
* 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 50 grape leaves in brine, rinsed in cool water or fresh, steamed
* 1 cup water

Directions:

Simmer onion in 1/2 cup olive oil until clear not browned. Add rice, boiling water or broth, tomato juice or sauce, raisins, pine nuts, herbs, and salt. Cook for 20 minutes (rice will be 1/2 cooked).

Allow rice mixture to cool!!!

Fill each grape leaf with 1 1/2 tablespoons of rice mixture and wrap like a burrito (tuck in the sides and roll from the base of the leaf towards the tip of the leaf), making sure rice will not leak out.

Roll Dolma about the thickness of your index finger (You should end up with something that looks like a short cigar).

***Save torn or tough leaves to place on top of Dolmades as they simmer. Place Dolmades tightly together in a well seasoned iron skillet. Pour the remaining 1 cup water and 1/2 cup olive oil over the Dolmades. Cover with saved leaves and lid. Simmer gently for 30 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Dolmades can be served hot or cold.

Serves: 8-10