Fıstıklı Sarma with a Twist

Ingredients

• 30 grape leaves, blanched 30 grape leaves, blanched
• 1 cup (200g) rice, rinsed 1 cup (200g) rice, rinsed
• 250g ground beef or lamb 250g ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup (40g) finely chopped pistachios 1/4 cup (40g) finely chopped pistachios
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish) 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the rice, ground meat, onion, olive oil, pistachios, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Take a grape leaf and place it flat on a clean surface. Spoon about a tablespoon of the filling onto the center of the leaf.
3. 3.
   Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it tightly from the bottom to the top, similar to rolling a burrito.
4. 4.
   Repeat the process with the remaining grape leaves and filling.
5. 5.
   Place the rolled grape leaves in a large pot, seam side down, making sure they are tightly packed.
6. 6.
   Pour enough water into the pot to cover the grape leaves. Place a heatproof plate on top of the grape leaves to keep them submerged.
7. 7.
   Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the flavors have melded together.
8. 8.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
9. 9.
   Garnish with lemon slices and serve warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pistachios — Make sure to finely chop the pistachios to ensure they blend well with the filling and provide a consistent crunch in every bite.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms for a flavorful alternative.
• Serve Fıstıklı Sarma with a dollop of yogurt on the side to balance the flavors and add a creamy element.
• For a tangy twist, squeeze some lemon juice over the stuffed grape leaves before serving.
• If you have any leftover filling, you can use it to stuff bell peppers or zucchini for another delicious meal.
• To make the dish more aromatic, add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the filling mixture.

Serving advice

Serve Fıstıklı Sarma as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad and some warm bread. It can also be served as an appetizer or part of a mezze platter.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed grape leaves on a platter, garnish with lemon slices, and sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.