Discard the stems from the green mint and Italian parsley. Mince them finely. Finely chop the tomatoes and green onions.
","image":"","section":"Grape Leaves Stuffing Preparation"},{"text":"In a bowl, mix the minced and chopped veggies and greens along with dried chickpea halves, rice, teaspoon of salt, 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. If you can't find chickpea halves in the store, try using regular dried chickpeas but crack them in half with some pressure ahead of stuffing.
","image":"","section":"Grape Leaves Stuffing Preparation"},{"text":"If using canned grape leaves, discard their container water then soak leaves in clean hot water for 3 to 4 minutes to get rid of preservatives. Rinse again.
","image":"","section":"Preparing the Grape Leaves"},{"text":"If using freshly picked green grape leaves, make sure to pick the young leaves that are light in color and tender. Wash well then boil on low heat for about 40 minutes to soften them.
","image":"","section":"Preparing the Grape Leaves"},{"text":"Once leaves are ready, cut off their stems and stack them on a cutting board, and let's get ready to roll!
","image":"","section":"Preparing the Grape Leaves"},{"text":"Slice tomatoes and onions into disks, and lay on the bottom of a deep cooking pot to cover its bottom.
","image":"","section":"Rolling the Grape Leaves"},{"text":"Lay a grape leaf flat on a cutting board with the rough side facing upwards.
","image":"","section":"Rolling the Grape Leaves"},{"text":"Add 3/4 teaspoon of stuffing alongside the bottom edge (where the stem was) leaving 1 cm empty on each side.
","image":"","section":"Rolling the Grape Leaves"},{"text":"Roll tightly 1/3rd of the way.
","image":"","section":"Rolling the Grape Leaves"},{"text":"Fold both ends in, then continue the rolling through.
","image":"","section":"Rolling the Grape Leaves"},{"text":"A good roll needs to be tight so that it doesn't break apart during cooking. We like to make medium to small rolls, about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches long.
","image":"","section":"Rolling the Grape Leaves"},{"text":"Once rolled, pack the grape leaf rolls tightly in the cooking pot in layers. Depending on the pot size, this recipe may yield 2 to 4 layers of rolls.
","image":"","section":"Rolling the Grape Leaves"},{"text":"Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt in the pot, add 3/4th cup of lemon juice, 1/2 cup of olive oil and 2 cups of water.
","image":"","section":"Cooking the Grape Leaves"},{"text":"Roll the pot sideways to let the liquids seep all the way through the bottom. The liquid should top the grape leave rolls. If not, add a bit more lemon juice and water.
","image":"","section":"Cooking the Grape Leaves"},{"text":"Add a small (microwave-safe) ceramic plate on top and press it downwards to keep the leaves tight and in place while cooking.
","image":"","section":"Cooking the Grape Leaves"},{"text":"Cover the pot and cook for a few minutes on high heat until the sauce boils, at which time turn the heat down to simmer and cook for another 35 minutes.
","image":"","section":"Cooking the Grape Leaves"},{"text":"Every 10 mins or so, shake and swing the pot slowly to ensure that the sauce is equally dispersed and isn't stuck on one side.
","image":"","section":"Cooking the Grape Leaves"},{"text":"Optional step: once cooked uncover pot and let rest for about half to 1 hour to cool down. During this time the grape leave rolls will absorb more sauce and enhance in flavors.
","image":"","section":"Serving and Tips"},{"text":"Once ready to serve, with one gloved hand on the plate inside the pot, empty the sauce from the pot in a separate container and set aside.
","image":"","section":"Serving and Tips"},{"text":"Place your serving platter upside down and hold it tightly against the pot. Holding the platter with one hand, and the bottom of the pot with another, turn upside down so the grape leaves fall in place on the serving platter.
","image":"","section":"Serving and Tips"},{"text":"Serve with some pita bread and plain yogurt.
","image":"","section":"Serving and Tips"}],"notes":"","nutrition":[],"video_url":"","rating_value":"4.5","rating_count":"2","url":"https://mamaslebanesekitchen.com/vegetarian/grape-leaves-recipe/","attribution":"Recipe by Mama's Lebanese Kitchen"}