Elaine's Dolmathes (stuffed Grape Leaves)

Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins Preparation Time: 2 hrs Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground lamb
• 1 cup rice
• 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
• 1 cup water
• 1 (16 ounce) jar grape leaves
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 20 grinds ground pepper

Recipe

• 1 remove grape leaves from jar and cut off stems. place a few leaves (10) at a time in a deep fry pan of simmering water for a about a minute. this removes the brine.
• 2 line the bottom of a 3 qt pan with 3 to 4 large leaves.
• 3 mix remaining ingredients except water in a bowl and start rolling.
• 4 place leaf, face or shiny side down. put a small amount of mixture on upper half of leaf (stem end). make one roll then turn sides in . continue to roll.
• 5 place rolled grape leaves in the prepared pot seam side down. i work from the outer edge. once the first layer is complete start a second layer.
• 6 when all filling is used cover rolled leaves with 4 large leaves. cover the leaves with a saucer that will fit inside the pot and add the 1 cup water. cover pot and bring to a boil. lower heat to simmer and cook for 45 minutes.