Midyeli Yaprak Sarması Ingredients

20-30 grape leaves (washed & blanched)2 cups short grain rice (washed till water runs clear, drained & soaked for 15 mins)2 cups mussel meat (fresh or frozen)3 tbsp olive oil2 cloves garlic (minced)1 cup onion (finely diced)1 cup bell pepper of choice (finely diced)1 cup carrot (finely diced)2 tbsp tomato paste1 tsp allspice1&1/2 tsp salt (to taste)1/2 tsp ground black pepper (to taste)1/2 tsp chilli flakes (to taste)2 tbsp raisins3 cups water2 tbsp lemon juice1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley (chopped)

Steps

Heat oil in a large pot on medium high.Add garlic & onion, sauté till onion turns translucent.Add bell pepper & carrot, cook for 3 mins & add tomato paste.Stir to combine, add allspice, salt, black pepper & chilli flakes.Add mussel meat, raisins & rice, stir & add water.Bring to a boil, lower heat to medium low & cook for 5 mins.Meanwhile, line a 9 inch springform pan with grape leaves.Taste rice to adjust seasoning, add lemon juice & dill, stir, pour into lined springform pan, use a spatula to level it.Place springform pan into a steamer & steam rice for another 15-20 mins.Remove from steamer, allow to cool for 30 mins, carefully release from springform pan, drizzle extra virgin olive oil, more chopped herbs, chilli flakes & lemon juice (optional)Cut into desired slices & serve warm or cold.