Stuffed grape leaves with sorrel sauce

Stuffed Grape Leaves with Sorrel Sauce – a traditional recipe, bursting with flavor, that combines the delicious taste of meat with the fresh aromas of sorrel. This dish evokes memories of lavish holiday feasts but can be enjoyed anytime with loved ones. If you're looking for a simple and quick recipe that makes a big culinary impact, you’ve come to the right place!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients needed:

For the stuffed grape leaves:
- 500 g ground meat (a mix of beef and pork for a rich flavor)
- 2 medium onions
- 100 g rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon hot paprika (optional, for those who prefer a bit of heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Grape leaves (enough to wrap the stuffed leaves, about 20-25)

For the sorrel sauce:
- A handful of sorrel leaves (about 100 g)
- 1 heaping tablespoon of starch or flour
- Salt and sugar to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil

Step-by-step recipe preparation:

1. Preparing the filling: Start with the onion. Finely chop the onion and sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil until it becomes translucent and soft. This will add a sweet flavor to your stuffed leaves.

2. Meat mixture: In a bowl, combine the ground meat with the washed rice, sautéed onion, salt, pepper, sweet paprika, hot paprika (if you want a touch of spice), and thyme. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are integrated. It’s important that the mixture is homogeneous so that the stuffed leaves have a uniform taste.

3. Preparing the grape leaves: Place water in a large pot and bring it to a boil. Wash the grape leaves thoroughly. When the water is boiling, add the leaves and blanch them for 1-2 minutes, just enough to soften them and make them easier to handle. Remove them and let them cool slightly.

4. Wrapping the stuffed leaves: Take a grape leaf, place a tablespoon of the meat mixture on the wider side, and fold the leaf to create a tight package. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly. Continue until all the leaves are filled.

5. Cooking the stuffed leaves: Arrange the stuffed leaves in a larger pot, side by side, so they don’t unravel during cooking. Add enough water to cover them, place a lid on, and let them simmer on low heat for about 1 hour.

6. Preparing the sorrel sauce: In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the cleaned and stemmed sorrel leaves, stirring occasionally. At first, the leaves will yellow, but then they will turn dark green and have a paste-like consistency. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a blender to turn them into a homogeneous paste.

7. Thickening the sauce: Separately, mix the starch with a tablespoon of water to form a paste. When the stuffed leaves are ready, carefully remove them from the water and add the sorrel sauce and the dissolved starch. Let everything simmer for another 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce. Season with salt and sugar to taste, to achieve the perfect balance between sweet and sour.

8. Serving: Arrange the stuffed leaves on a platter and pour the sorrel sauce over them. They can be served plain or with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

Helpful tips:

- Grape leaves: If you can't find fresh leaves, you can use canned grape leaves, but it’s recommended to rinse them well to remove excess salt.
- Meat: The meat mixture can be customized based on your preferences. You can add turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Rice: Make sure to wash the rice before adding it to the mixture to remove excess starch that could make the stuffed leaves sticky.
- Sorrel sauce: If you enjoy a more sour sauce, you can add lemon juice or vinegar to intensify the flavors.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of stuffed grape leaves with sorrel sauce provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. It’s a nutritious meal that contains vitamins from vegetables and quality protein from meat. Stuffed leaves are an excellent option for a hearty meal, with about 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the amount of meat and rice used.

Possible variations:
To add a touch of originality, you can try including spices like dried mint or chopped fresh parsley in the filling. Additionally, the stuffed leaves can also be made with vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, for a vegetarian option.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! You can experiment with chicken or turkey.
- How can I store leftover stuffed leaves? They can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for later use.
- What can I serve alongside the stuffed leaves? Mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad are excellent accompaniments.

Now it’s time to start cooking! Your stuffed leaves will turn into a delight that the whole family will love. Enjoy your meal!