Grilled Lamb Stuffed Grape Leaves: A Love Story from Greece to Your Summer Table

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Summer evenings have a unique charm that draws us outdoors, especially when delicious food and great company are involved. Picture the sun setting, the aroma of grilled meats and fresh herbs wafting through the air—it's a scene that brings a taste of the Mediterranean and Greek adventure to your backyard. One dish that perfectly captures this essence is grilled stuffed grape leaves with lamb and rice. This culinary delight is more than just a meal; it tells a story of love, adventure, and unforgettable gatherings.

An Unexpected Romance

Imagine eloping to the picturesque island of Santorini—the stunning blue sea and an active volcano as your backdrop, white-washed villas scaling the side of the cliff, and a mild breeze filled with the scent of blooming olive trees. This was the dream of Something Classic's culinary storyteller, Jill Marcus who decided to embrace life's adventures wholeheartedly and elope with jazz musician Gary Marcus. The rest of their romantic story is a history filled with love and adventuresome experiences.

At the church square in Thira, Jill stood with Gary, committing to journey through life together. Opa! This moment ignited her passion for Mediterranean cuisine and the joy of sharing meals that connect family and friends. Just as love is about bonding and shared experiences, so is food. It expresses culture, history, and the moments that define us. Nothing embodies this more than a table adorned with Greek and Mediterranean dishes.

Ingredients to Gather

To recreate this delightful summer dish, gather the following ingredients for the stuffed grape leaves:

For the Filling

• 1 cup long-grain rice

• 1 pound ground lamb (or beef, if preferred)

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• A handful of fresh oregano, pulled

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

For the Grape Leaves

• 1 jar (16 oz) grape leaves, rinsed and drained

• Better: Pick the Grape leave from Your Garden

• Olive oil for brushing

  
  

Preparing the Grilled Stuffed Grape Leaves

Step 1: Cook the Filling

Begin by heating a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and fresh oregano leaves until they're translucent and crispy, about 3–5 minutes. Then add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onions, garlic, ground lamb, rice, oregano, salt, pepper. This mixture creates a filling that brings memories of warm Greek summers.

Step 2: Prepare the Grape Leaves

Blanche fresh grape leaves (stems removed) in water for 1 minute, then drain. Lay a grape leaf flat on a clean surface, vein side up. Place a tablespoon of filling near the stem end of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly toward the tip. Repeat until you've rolled all the filling or used the grape leaves.

Place the lamb, onion and garlic mixture on the grape leaves before rolling

Step 3: Grill the Rolls

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the stuffed grape leaves with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place them seam-side down on the grill.

Cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until they're golden and slightly charred. The earthy flavors of the grape leaves combined with the rich filling create a tantalizing aroma that will fill your outdoor space. Opa!

Create Your Mediterranean Summer Table

Now that your grilled stuffed grape leaves are ready, it's time to enhance your summer menu with some classic Greek and Mediterranean side dishes.

Tzatziki Sauce

A mix of Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, mint, dill and olive oil, tzatziki adds a cool, zesty kick to your meal. It perfectly complements the warm, savory grape leaves and brings balance to your spread.

Sparta Salad

This vibrant salad features ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano. With its bursts of flavor and color, it makes a refreshing addition that complements any grilled dish.

Other Greek Favorites

Our Something Classic menu offers loads of favorites from Jill's favorite journey: Grilled Kebobs with Summer Vegetables, Orzo with Sun-dried Tomatoes & Roasted Garlic, Braised Lamb w/Herbs & Oranges, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Lamb Kefta or Parslied Falafel. For dessert, don't forget Pistachio & Walnut Phyllo Baklava Tarts or a Baklava Tart. Check out our Greek menu items here. Something Classic's catering menu brings dishes from all over the world from Jill's travels which makes this Charlotte caterer unique.

Baklava Tarta by our own pastry chef Megan Goldman

The Perfect Summer Gathering

Nothing captures the essence of summer quite like gathering friends and family around the grill. With grilled stuffed grape leaves taking center stage and a Mediterranean-inspired menu surrounding them, you set the scene for memorable moments and great flavors.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Whether served as an appetizer, main meal, or alfresco party, it fosters connections and stories that can be shared for years to come.

As you light up your grill, remember this flavorful recipe and the Greek inspiration it brings to the table—not just as a meal but as a celebration of love, culture, and togetherness - no passport required.

Grilled stuffed grape leaves presented beautifully on a rustic platter

A Culinary Embrace

Grilled stuffed grape leaves with lamb and rice are more than just a dish; they serve as a reminder of how food connects us to our past and to one another. As you prepare this meal for your next gathering, think of the laughter and memories that will be created around your table.

Embrace the spirit of Greece not only through flavor but in the love with which you prepare and serve. Here’s to happy grilling and a summer filled with joy and exquisite tastes!