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1
Remove grape leaves from the jar and open up leaves into casserole dish or equivalent.
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2
Unroll somewhat and pour over some cool tap water to soak a little.
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3
Meanwhile saute onions and celery in 1 tablespoon butter, until soft.
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4
In a large bowl add ground beef, onion and celery, rice, mint, parsley, pine nuts if using, sea salt & freshly ground pepper to taste, mix well.
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5
Remove one leaf (the bigger the better) and place onto a flat surface; with the shiny side down.
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6
Place a small amount of the filling toward the stem side of the leaf and then roll up (you may see a demo of how to here, http://www.food.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=250725 yet I like to remove the stem if they are not already removed).
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7
Add a dash olive oil to the bottom of a pot and line with some of the riped or not so good looking grape leaves.
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8
Place the finished dolmas one by one in a single close to each other layer in the pot.
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9
Make the next layer in the opposite direction and so on.
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10
Add chicken stock, juice of the lemon and remaining tablespoon of butter.
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11
In order to prevent the grape leaves from opening up during cooking, place a small plate on top of the grape leaves and press down.
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12
Then cover and bring to a boil.
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13
Lower heat and simmer covered for about 1 hour.
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14
While cooking make the Yogurt Sauce.
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15
To do this mix the Yogurt sauce ingredients well and add sea salt to taste.
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16
Serve dolmas warm spooning sauce on top as desired.
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17
Enjoy!