Koupepia Salata (Stuffed Grape Leaves Salad)
A refreshing and flavorful salad featuring cooked vine leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes finely chopped vegetables, served chilled with a lemon-herb dressing.
🧂 Ingredients
- 30-40 leaves Fresh or jarred grape leaves
- 1 cup Arborio or medium-grain rice(rinsed)
- 0.5 cup Fresh parsley(finely chopped)
- 0.25 cup Fresh mint(finely chopped)
- 3 stalks Green onions(finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Dill(finely chopped)
- 0.25 cup Lemon juice
- 0.25 cup Olive oil
- 0.5 cup Water or vegetable broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Optional: finely diced tomato
- 0.25 cup Optional: finely diced cucumber
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until softened. Drain and rinse under cold water. If using jarred leaves, rinse them thoroughly to remove brine.
💡 Tip: Blanching fresh leaves makes them pliable for stuffing. - 2
Prepare the stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine the rinsed rice, chopped parsley, mint, green onions, dill, salt, pepper, and optional diced tomato and cucumber. Mix well.
💡 Tip: Ensure all herbs are finely chopped for an even texture. - 3
To stuff the grape leaves, place a leaf shiny-side down with the stem end towards you. Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of the rice mixture near the stem end.
- 4
Fold the stem end over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll up tightly to form a neat parcel.
💡 Tip: Roll tightly to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking. - 5
Arrange the stuffed grape leaves in a single layer in a wide, shallow pan or pot. You can place them seam-side down.
- 6
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, water (or broth), salt, and pepper for the dressing. Pour this mixture over the stuffed grape leaves.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid comes up about halfway to cover the leaves. - 7
Place a heatproof plate on top of the grape leaves to keep them submerged and prevent them from unrolling. Cover the pot with a lid.
- 8
Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the leaves are cooked through.
💡 Tip: Cook until rice is fully tender. - 9
Remove from heat and let the koupepia cool completely in the pot. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to set.
💡 Tip: Cooling is essential for the salad texture. - 10
Once cooled, gently transfer the koupepia to a serving platter. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and lemon juice, if desired.
💡 Tip: Serve chilled or at room temperature.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality of the grape leaves significantly impacts the final dish.
- ✓Don't overstuff the leaves, as the rice will expand.
- ✓The cooling step is vital for the salad to achieve the right consistency and flavor.
- ✓This dish can be made a day in advance, making it perfect for gatherings.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of sumac to the stuffing for a tangy note.
- Incorporate finely chopped walnuts for added crunch.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tahini sauce.