Preserved Grape Leaves
Preserved grape leaves are a must-have ingredient for crafting authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes like stuffed dolmas or vine-wrapped delicacies. This simple and satisfying recipe highlights the use of tender, vibrant green grape leaves that are carefully blanched, chilled, and sealed in a tangy brine of kosher salt, water, and lemon juice. By preserving them at home, you'll enjoy superior freshness and flavor compared to store-bought options, all while harnessing a straightforward, budget-friendly process. Perfectly stackable and neatly rolled, these preserved grape leaves maintain their tender texture for up to six months in the refrigerator, making them a convenient addition to your pantry. Whether you're meal prepping or expanding your culinary repertoire, this recipe is your gateway to homemade Mediterranean-inspired cuisine!
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Ingredients
- 50 leaves Fresh grape leaves
- 4 tablespoons Kosher salt
- 4 cups Water
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the fresh grape leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or debris and pat them dry.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add a pinch of salt and blanch the grape leaves in batches for 1-2 minutes each until they turn vibrant green.
Step 3
Remove the grape leaves using tongs and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 4
Stack the grape leaves in piles of 8-10, aligning them neatly, and roll each stack tightly into a cylinder.
Step 5
In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water, kosher salt, and lemon juice to a boil. Stir until the salt has dissolved completely to create a brine solution.
Step 6
Sterilize a glass jar (around 1 quart in size) by washing it in hot soapy water and rinsing well or using a dishwasher. Let it air dry or dry it in a low-temperature oven.
Step 7
Arrange the rolled grape leaves inside the sterilized jar, packing them snugly to prevent them from floating.
Step 8
Pour the hot brine solution over the grape leaves in the jar, ensuring all leaves are fully submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
Step 9
Seal the jar tightly and let it cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Step 10
Before using the preserved grape leaves, rinse them in cold water to remove excess salt.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1273g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 242.4 |
| Total Fat 5.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 7131.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 46.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 27.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.1g | |
| Protein 14.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 967.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 6.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 46.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories