Grape Leaves Stuffed with Lamb and Rice Sausage
- 60 to 70 brined grape leaves, not rinsed (one 28-ounce jar, with a few left over)
- Lamb and Rice Sausage for Stuffing Leaves and Vegetables (page 90)
- 1 lemon, very thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Working in batches according to the size of your space, lay the grape leaves, smooth side down and with the stem end facing you, on a work surface, and trim off the stems with a sharp paring knife or scissors.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the stuffing in the center of each leaf.
- Fold each side of the bottom up over the stuffing, roll up the leaf a half turn, and then fold the sides in toward the center.
- Continue rolling to the top to make a tight, neat cylinder.
- Pack the rolled leaves in a large pot, tucking them together to make a tight layer, or two, depending on the size of the pot.
- Its okay to have two layers, as long as they are tightly packed.
- Place a plate that will fit inside the pot over the leaves to keep them from floating up, and pour in water just to cover.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, cover the pot, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let cool, still covered, until no longer steaming, about 20 minutes.
- Pour off the water, pressing down on the plate to drain thoroughly and keep the leaf packets intact.
- Set the pot aside until the packets are completely cool.
- Carefully transfer the leaf packets to a platter, cover, and chill, preferably overnight, to firm and intensify the flavor.
- To serve, arrange the lemon slices across the top and pour the olive oil over all.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
grape leaves, sausage, lemon, extra virgin olive oil
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/grape-leaves-stuffed-with-lamb-and-rice-sausage-389502 (may not work)