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25-Min Lemon Yaprak Sarma with Rice

Tender grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice, lemon, and herbs—rolled, steamed, and served warm with Turkish tea. No long simmer needed; a quick steam brings everything together in under 30 minutes.

Total time
25 min
Servings
4
Calories
185
Protein
3g
25-Min Lemon Yaprak Sarma with Rice
lightfreshturkishvegetarianvegantendersoftdinner

Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Stir rice, diced onion, dill, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until combined.

  2. Step 2

    Rinse grape leaves gently under cool water to separate them.

  3. Step 3

    Lay a leaf shiny side down, place 1 tbsp rice mixture at the center, fold sides in, roll tightly from bottom to top.

  4. Step 4

    Repeat with remaining leaves and rice filling until you have 12–16 rolls.

  5. Step 5

    Whisk tomato paste, lemon juice, and warm water in a large pot; nestle rolls seam-side down in the liquid.

  6. Step 6

    Cover, bring to a simmer over medium, and cook 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.

Tools you’ll need

  • mixing bowl
  • large pot with lid
  • whisk
  • serving platter

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