Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb rice
• 2 tbsp shortening
• 1 lb of grape leaves
• lamb chops or beef ribs
• liberal amount of salt & pepper
• 2 tsp allspice
• 2 tsp garlic salt
• 15-25 cloves of garlic (to taste)
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 3 cups water

Directions

1. Soak rice in water for 10-15 minutes, then drain water.

2. Mix rice, ground beef, shortening, salt, pepper and allspice together until well mixed.

3. Fill and roll all the grape leaves with the meat mixture as displayed in the picture.

4. Season the lamb chops or beef ribs with garlic salt and pepper.

5. Line the bottom of a large pot with the meat, followed by any unused/torn up grape leaves – this prevents the rolled leaves from burning.

6. Carefully align half the grape leaves on top in a circular fashion.

7. Distribute garlic cloves over the top.

8. Finish layering the rest of the rolled grape leaves.

9. Mix the lemon juice and water with some salt and pepper to make the “broth.”

10. Pour the broth over the grape leaves, making sure the liquid reaches the top layer of the grape leaves.

11. Cover with a medium plate and bring to a boil.

12. Once at a boil, cover the pot with a lid (leave the medium plate inside to serve as a weight) and cook on the lowest heat for 1 and 1/2 hours.

13. Turn off the heat and drain the broth.

14. Flip the cooked leaves onto a large decorative platter and enjoy.

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