How to Roll the Grape Leaves. Lay the leaves flat on a cutting board with the rough side facing upwards. Add ¾ teaspoon of stuffing towards the bottom of the leaf as in the photo below. Roll bottom of leaf over the stuffing, ⅓rd of the way.
Fold right side over, ⅓rd of the way. Fold left side over, ⅓rd of the way.
Then roll all the way through the end of the leaf. A good roll needs to be tight so that it doesn't break apart during cooking. We like to make medium to small rolls, about ½ inch thick and 3 inches long. Once rolled, stack the grape leave rolls tightly in a pot with its bottom covered with a layer of sliced onions and a layer of sliced tomatoes.
Once you've finished adding the rolls, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt on top, add ¾th cup of lemon juice, ½ cup of olive oil, 2 cups of water. Shake the pot sideways to let the liquids seep all the way through the bottom. The liquid should top the grape leave rolls. Add a small (microwave- safe) plate on top and press it downwards and leave in pot while cooking. The plate creates a downward pressure on the grape leave rolls to keep them tightly held together.
Cover the pot and cook for a few minutes on high heat until the sauce boils, at which time turn the heat down to low and let simmer and cook for about 3. Every 1. 0 mins or so, shake and swing the pot slowly to ensure that the sauce is equally dispersed and isn't stuck on one side. Once cooked uncover pot and let rest for about 1 hour to cool down. During this time the grape leave rolls will absorb more sauce and enhance in flavors (optional)Once ready to serve, empty the sauce from the pot in a separate container, then put your serving plate upside down on top of the cooking pot, and while holding them tightly together turn them over quickly so the pot is now on top and the serving plate on the bottom. Lay serving plate on the kitchen counter and slowly lift up and remove the pot from the plate. You should now have a nice looking pile of neatly stacked grape leave rolls with the tomatoes and onions on top. You can then add a bit of its sauce on it to taste.
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