Midyeli Yaprak Sarması

Ingredients

• 20-30 grape leaves (washed & blanched)
• 2 cups short grain rice (washed till water runs clear, drained & soaked for 15 mins)
• 2 cups mussel meat (fresh or frozen)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup onion (finely diced)
• 1 cup bell pepper of choice (finely diced)
• 1 cup carrot (finely diced)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1&1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (to taste)
• 2 tbsp raisins
• 3 cups water
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Steps ---

2. 2

   Heat oil in a large pot on medium high.

3. 3

   Add garlic & onion, sauté till onion turns translucent.

4. 4

   Add bell pepper & carrot, cook for 3 mins & add tomato paste.

5. 5

   Stir to combine, add allspice, salt, black pepper & chilli flakes.

6. 6

   Add mussel meat, raisins & rice, stir & add water.

7. 7

   Bring to a boil, lower heat to medium low & cook for 5 mins.

8. 8

   Meanwhile, line a 9 inch springform pan with grape leaves.

9. 9

   Taste rice to adjust seasoning, add lemon juice & dill, stir, pour into lined springform pan, use a spatula to level it.

10. 10

    Place springform pan into a steamer & steam rice for another 15-20 mins.

11. 11

    Remove from steamer, allow to cool for 30 mins, carefully release from springform pan, drizzle extra virgin olive oil, more chopped herbs, chilli flakes & lemon juice (optional)

12. 12

    Cut into desired slices & serve warm or cold.