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Koupepia Gemista me Kima
Stuffed Grape Leaves with Rice and Minced Meat
Tender grape leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, minced meat, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, then slow-cooked in a savory tomato-based broth. This dish is a beloved staple in Cypriot cuisine, often served as part of a meze spread or as a comforting main course.
đ§ Ingredienser
- 40-50 leaves Fresh grape leaves(or 2 jars (approx. 1 lb each) of brined grape leaves, rinsed well)
- 400 g Ground pork
- 1 cup Short-grain rice(rinsed)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley(finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Fresh mint(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Ground allspice
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 cups Water or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
đšâđł Instruktioner
- 1
If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside. If using brined leaves, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Trim any thick stems.
đĄ Proffstips: Blanching makes the leaves pliable and easier to roll. - 2
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, rinsed rice, chopped onion, parsley, mint, minced garlic, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
đĄ Proffstips: Using your hands helps to thoroughly combine the ingredients. - 3
To roll the koupepia: Lay a grape leaf flat with the shiny side down and the stem end towards you. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling near the stem end. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then tightly roll it up from the stem end towards the tip, creating a neat parcel.
đĄ Proffstips: Don't overfill the leaves, as the rice will expand during cooking. - 4
Arrange the rolled koupepia snugly in a single layer in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. You can arrange them seam-side down to prevent them from unrolling.
đĄ Proffstips: A snug fit helps the koupepia maintain their shape. - 5
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, tomato paste, water or broth, and lemon juice. Pour this mixture evenly over the koupepia.
đĄ Proffstips: Ensure the liquid comes up to about two-thirds the height of the koupepia. - 6
Place a heatproof plate directly on top of the koupepia to keep them submerged and prevent them from unravelling during cooking. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
đĄ Proffstips: A plate helps to keep the koupepia from floating and opening up. - 7
Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the leaves are tender. Check periodically and add more water if the liquid evaporates too quickly.
đĄ Proffstips: Low and slow cooking is key for tender koupepia. - 8
Let the koupepia rest in the pot, off the heat, for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 9
Serve warm, spooning some of the cooking liquid over the koupepia.
đĄ Proffstips: Koupepia are delicious served with a side of plain yogurt or a simple Greek salad.
đĄ Proffstips
- âIf you can't find fresh grape leaves, brined ones are a good substitute. Just be sure to rinse them very well.
- âFor a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase the amount of rice and herbs, or add finely chopped mushrooms.
- âLeftover koupepia taste even better the next day.
⚠Idéer för variationer
Inspiration till din egen version av detta recept
- Add a pinch of ground cumin to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- For a richer sauce, use chicken broth instead of water.
- Some recipes include a small amount of finely chopped tomato in the filling.