Dolmades Avgolemono (Meat Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Ingredients

• •1 pound ground beef
• •1 large onion, chopped
• •1/2 cup white rice
• •1 egg
• •1/2 cup dry mint
• •1 tablespoon butter, softened
• •1/2 bunch fresh parsley
• •dill, if convenient
• •3 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice
• •salt
• •pepper
• •water, if needed

Directions

1. 1Knead all ingredients in a bowl. If the consistency is too hard, add water, one tablespoon at a time (up to 4 tablespoons).
2. 2Depending on the size, you will need 20 to 40 grape leaves. Small leaves tend to be more tender.
3. 3Boil grape leaves until they are soft, but not tender. The time will dependon the leaves. Fresh ones will only take a minute.
4. 4Fold grape leaves around small spoon fulls of meat mixture, sealing completely.
5. 5In a large pot (preferably one with a large surface area on the bottom), melt 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter. Arrange rolled dolmades
6. 6on top.
7. 7Do this all at once, not as you roll them. Pour 3 to 4 cups water or chicken brothover dolmades, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.
8. 8Serve with a crusty bread, or with pita bread.