Ingredients
Method
Prepare the Leaves and Filling
- If using jarred grape leaves, separate them gently and rinse under hot water 2 to 3 times to wash off the brine. Trim any tough stems with scissors and set aside a few torn or small leaves to line the pot.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed rice, ground pork, ground beef, grated onion, grated tomato, tomato paste, mint, parsley, 3 tbsp of the olive oil, 2 tbsp of the lemon juice, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Mix with your hands until well combined.
Roll the Koupepia
- Lay a grape leaf shiny side down on a cutting board, stem end toward you. Place 1 heaping tablespoon of filling near the stem end.
- Fold the stem end and both sides over the filling, then roll away from you into a snug cylinder, like a small cigar. Don't roll too tight, since the rice will expand as it cooks. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling, making about 40 rolls.
Cook the Koupepia
- Line the bottom of a 28 cm / 11-inch heavy pot with the reserved torn leaves and a few lemon slices, to stop the rolls from sticking and scorching.
- Arrange the koupepia seam side down in tight rows in the pot, stacking a second layer on top if needed.
- Pour the remaining olive oil and lemon juice over the rolls, then add the water or stock until the liquid just covers the top layer.
- Place a small heatproof plate directly on top of the rolls to keep them from unrolling as they cook.
- Cover the pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then lower the heat and simmer for 45 minutes, until the rice is tender and a roll cut in half shows no raw meat.
- Turn off the heat and let the koupepia rest in the pot, still covered, for 10 minutes before lifting out.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, with lemon wedges and a spoon of yogurt on the side.
Notes
- Rinse brined leaves well or the dish turns too salty.
- Don't skip the weight plate, it keeps rolls from unrolling.
- Use a mix of pork and beef for the best flavor balance.
- Simmer gently, a hard boil can tear the leaves apart.
- Let rolls rest 10 minutes off heat before serving.
