Stuffed Grape Leaves

These are the best Stuffed Grape Leaves I have ever had.  It’s my mom’s recipe & she is now a Lebanese grandma, which means she’s been making these a LONG time and has perfected them.

Know that if you decide to make them, they are a labor of love.  This is not a 30-minute meal.  More like soul food that you put your whole heart into.

And know that if you are the recipient of this dish.  It was made with love!

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2 Cups Rice

1 Pound Ground Beef

½ Cup Butter, melted

1 Jar Brined Grape Leaves

Salt & Pepper to taste

3 Tomatoes, sliced lengthwise

3 Cups Beef Broth (or a bit more)

¼ Cup Butter

½ Cup Fresh Lemon Juice

 

1. In a large bowl, mix together the rice, ground beef, melted butter & salt & pepper
2. Remove the grape leaves in another large bowl filled with water to wash the brine off.
3. Lay some flattened grape leaves at the bottom of a large pot.
4. To roll out the grape leaves, flatten one grape leaf onto your cutting board or counter top, making sure to trim the hard stem. Add about a tablespoon to a tablespoon & a half of the beef mixture & roll the grape leaf tightly like a burrito
5. Begin filling your pot with the rolled grape leaves. Once you have completed one layer, add a layer of sliced tomatoes.  Then continue layering with the grape leaves.  Keep this pattern going until all the grape leaves & mixture is used.
6. Add the beef broth & ¼ cup butter to the pot & cook on medium heat until the rice is cooked through. If necessary add more beef broth.
7. Once the grape leaves are completely cooked, let them cool for a bit & add the lemon juice.
8. Enjoy!