Stuffed grape leaves with chicken

Stuffed grape leaves with chicken meat

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Stuffed grape leaves are a traditional dish that brings together the flavors and culinary traditions of several generations. These stuffed grape leaves with chicken meat are a lighter and, in my opinion, tastier alternative to the classic cabbage rolls. The grape leaves provide a unique flavor, while the filling of poultry and rice adds a juicy and fine texture. I invite you to discover how to prepare this delicacy at home, step by step.

Ingredients:
- 600 g ground poultry
- 1 egg
- 1 green onion
- 3 tablespoons rice
- 1 medium potato
- 1 tablespoon seasoning (or preferred spices)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Salt to taste
- Grape leaves (about 30-35 leaves, frozen or fresh)
- 2 bay leaves
- A handful of chopped celery
- A handful of chopped parsley
- 1 large tomato (diced)
- 1 cup tomato juice
- Thyme (preferably fresh, but dried is also good)
- Dill (dried or fresh)
- 2-3 pieces of smoked sausage (or bacon)

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. If using frozen grape leaves, they need to be thawed and washed well. Clean and finely chop the green onion, and grate the potato using a large grater. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground poultry with the egg, seasoning, paprika, pepper, and salt. Add the chopped green onion, grated potato, and rinsed rice. Mix all the ingredients with your hands or a spatula until the mixture is homogeneous. It is essential not to leave large pieces of meat or rice so that the rolls can be easily formed.

Step 3: Forming the rolls
Take a grape leaf and place a tablespoon of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf. Fold the side edges inward, then roll from the base to the tip, forming a tight roll. Repeat this process until you have finished all the mixture. You should get about 24-25 rolls.

Step 4: Cooking the rolls
To cook the rolls, choose a large pot. Place a few grape leaves on the bottom to prevent the rolls from sticking. Arrange the rolls in a circle, side by side, and add the chopped sausage, bay leaves, celery, and parsley. Spread the diced tomato on top of the rolls, then add the tomato juice and fill the pot with water until the rolls are completely covered.

Step 5: Boiling
Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 2 hours. It is important not to lift the lid too often to avoid losing the steam necessary for cooking.

Step 6: Serving
After two hours, check the rolls. If they are cooked, prepare them for serving. It is recommended to serve them hot, alongside fresh sour cream and hot peppers, for an extra burst of flavor. The flavors will blend perfectly, and each bite will be an explosion of tastes.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can include some peppercorns in the pot or even a teaspoon of smoked paprika in the filling.
- When preparing rolls, ensure that the grape leaves are tender, as tougher leaves can make the rolls difficult to chew.
- You can also try filling variations by adding mushrooms or grated vegetables for a richer taste.

Vegetarian option:
If you want to prepare a vegetarian version of the rolls, replace the meat with a combination of mushrooms, rice, and grated vegetables like carrots and zucchini. The flavor of the grape leaves will enhance the taste of the filling.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of stuffed grape leaves with chicken contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of meat and oil used. These rolls are rich in protein due to the chicken and provide a good source of fiber from the rice and added vegetables.

In conclusion, stuffed grape leaves with chicken are an excellent choice for a family meal or to impress guests. This simple and delicious recipe, full of flavors and tradition, will surely become a favorite for everyone. Don't hesitate to experiment and add your personal touch! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 600 g ground poultry, 1 egg, 1 green onion, 3 tablespoons rice, 1 potato, vegeta, paprika, pepper, salt, vine leaves, 2 bay leaves, green celery, green parsley, 1 large tomato, 1 cup broth, thyme, dill (I only had dried, although fresh would be better), vine leaves, 2-3 pieces of kabanos (something smoked, ribs can also be used).

 Tags:  ground poultry vine leaf rice broth onion potato or celery leaves thyme dill bay leaf pepper paprika sour cream hot pepper