Grape Leaves Aleppo

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 pounds ground lamb
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 jars grape leaves , 16 ounce
• 6 cloves garlic , sliced
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 2 kalamatas olives , Optional

Instructions

1. 1

   Soak rice in cold water, and drain. Mix together ground lamb, rice, allspice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well blended. Place about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture onto the center of each grape leaf. Fold leaf over once, turn in the edges on each side, and then roll the leaf closed.

2. 2

   Stack leaf rolls in a large pot, covering each layer with slices of garlic. Add just enough water to cover rolls, then pour in lemon juice. Add olives to the pot for flavoring. Place a plate on top of the rolls to keep them under the water.

3. 3

   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes. Taste rice for doneness. Grape leaves taste even better after sitting for several hours. Serve and enjoy.