Recipe: Grilled Lamb Stuffed Grape Leaves

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.

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!