Stuffed Grapevine Leaves With Avgolemono Sauce
Delicate grapevine leaves are stuffed with seasoned ground meat and rice, then cooked in a flavorful Avgolemono sauce, offering a savory and tangy Mediterranean experience perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground meat, chopped onions, rice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add water and mix well.
- Drain brine from the jar of grapevine leaves, then wash the leaves thoroughly with clear water and drain.
- Cover the bottom of a greased casserole dish with torn grapevine leaves.
- Place some of the meat mixture in the center of each leaf and roll the leaf tightly around the filling.
- Repeat until all mixture is rolled in leaves, arranging the rolls in layers in the dish.
- Dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in enough water to cover the rolls and pour over the stuffed leaves.
- Dot the top with butter.
- Place a heavy plate on top of the rolls to keep them from opening.
- Cover the casserole and cook over low heat for at least 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or mint to the meat mixture. If ground meat isn't available, you can substitute with a mixture of cooked lentils for a vegetarian option. Be careful not to overfill the grapevine leaves to prevent them from bursting during cooking. Make sure to wash the leaves thoroughly to remove excess brine, ensuring a balanced taste.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed grapevine leaves are delicious when served warm, drizzled with avgolemono sauce. They pair beautifully with a refreshing Tomato-Onion Salad or Garlic Bread With Tomato Salad for a complete meal. For a delightful touch, accompany with a glass of chilled white wine to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed grapevine leaves can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a covered dish with a splash of water and warm them in the oven at low heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the leaves tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Grapevine Leaves With Avgolemono Sauce contains roughly 1085 calories, with 39g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (78% of the Daily Value), iron (78% of the Daily Value), and potassium (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2306mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen grapevine leaves instead of jarred ones?
Yes, you can use frozen grapevine leaves, but make sure to thaw them completely and rinse well before use. They may be softer than jarred leaves, so handle them gently while rolling to maintain their shape.
What type of meat works best for this recipe?
Ground lamb or beef are traditionally used and provide a rich flavor, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adjust seasoning accordingly as lean meats may require more herbs and spices for flavor.
How do I make the avgolemono sauce for serving?
To make avgolemono sauce, whisk together 3 beaten eggs and the juice of 2 lemons in a bowl. Gradually add some of the hot cooking liquid from the casserole to temper the eggs, then stir the mixture back into the pot. Heat gently, stirring until thickened, but do not boil.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).