Recipe(tried): Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)

DOLMAS - STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES

1 (8 oz) jar grape leaves, drained, stems removed
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup olive oil, divided use
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 cup rice, uncooked
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 teaspoon fresh chopped dill
1/4 cup chopped raisins
1/2 teaspoon minced lemon peel
3 cups vegetable or chicken broth, divided use
6 tablespoons lemon juice

Place grape leaves in a flat bowl. Pour boiling water over and drain. Set aside.

Saute onion in 2 tablespoons olive oil until soft. Add parsley, rice, nuts, dill, raisins and lemon peel. Saute 3-4 minutes, until nuts are brown. Pour in 1 1/2 cups broth. Cover, reduce heat, simmer until liquid is absorbed, 12-15 minutes.

Place grape leaves on flat surface, vein side up. Fill with about 1 tablespoons filling and roll up, tucking ends in.

Mix remaining 1 1/2 cups broth with remaining 1/2 cup olive oil and lemon juice; set aside.

Place stuffed grape leaves in deep kettle or Dutch oven, seam side down. After first layer, pour half of broth mixture over leaves, add rest of leaves and rest of broth mixture. Bring to boil over medium heat, cover, reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes.

I like these best at room temperature, but they can also be served hot or cold.

Comments from Estela: "In Istanbul, the woman who taught me to make them used currants instead of raisins, and in some restaurants bulghur wheat was substituted for the rice, which made for a nicer filling. The grape leaves are rolled into small tight tubes that look like cigar stubs and are placed compactly in the pot to keep them from undoing during cooking. ...I do mine in the microwave with a minimal amount of liquid. It's quick and works great."

Makes 4 servings