Stuffed Grapeleaves -- "Dolmas"

These yummy appetizers can be either vegetarian or with a meat. It really is up to you! :) In this recipe I added ground meat instead of lamb, which the traditional dolmas usually calls for.

Stuffed Grapeleaves -- Dolmas

Ingredients

• 1 jar of grapeleaves ( you can buy this at any Mediterrean store)
• 2 lbs extra lean ground beef
• 1/2 onion chopped
• 2 tbsp of garlic
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp of lemon juice and lemon zest
• 1 cup of cooked white or brown rice
• 4 cups of chicken stock

Directions

• Combine ground beef, rice, salt, pepper, garlic, and onion

• Make an assembly line and place pinch size amount of the mixture on grapeleaves

• Roll each side and then the bottom, like a burrito roll and place in a greased pot

• Once the bottom is fully covered with rolled grapeleaves, layer the top with grapeleaf pieces and begin the 2nd tier of rolled grapeleaves.
• Place a small plate on the very top of the pot for weight and to keep the dolmas in place

• Slowly pour chicken stock and simmer partial closed lid for 1 hour in medium heat

• Serve hot or cold, either way it's tasty!