How to Cook Stuffed Leaves

There are hundreds of recipes for stuffed leaves, some exotic and some more common. The two most common are stuffed vine (grape) leaves and stuffed cabbage leaves. Regardless of the type of leaf, you can use this simple method to create a moist and tender result.

Vine leaves stuffed with a mixture of uncooked rice and meat or vegetables
1 clove garlic, sliced
Juice of one lemon

Line the bottom of a saucepan with torn or other unused leaves
Place stuffed leaves seam side down, snuggly into the saucepan in as many layers as needed
Sprinkle garlic slices over top
Add water just to cover the leaves and squeeze in lemon juice
Place an inverted plate on top of the leaves and cover pan (this keeps the leaves immersed in water)
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes to 1 hour

See Dolmas recipe for filling idea.

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How To: Cooking Techniques

How to Cook Stuffed Leaves