GRAPE LEAVES STUFFED WITH DILL-SCENTED RICE

Grape Leaves Stuffed with Dill-Scented Rice image

Yield Makes About 24

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup olive oil
2 large onions, finely chopped
2 cups long-grain white rice
5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
5 cups (or more) hot water
1 32-ounce jar grape leaves, rinsed, drained, tough stems trimmed
Plain yogurt and lemon wedges

Steps:

Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions; sauté until translucent, about 7 minutes. Stir in rice, lemon juice, parsley, dill and 1 cup hot water. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat.
Cover and simmer until rice is partially cooked and no liquid remains, stirring occasionally, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat.
Cover bottom of heavy large wide saucepan with some grape leaves. Place 1 large grape leaf on work surface. Spoon scant 1/4 cup rice mixture in center at widest part of leaf. Fold bottom of leaf over. Fold sides in. Roll up. Place seam side down in pan. Repeat filling and rolling with remaining rice filling and grape leaves, stacking filled leaves atop one another in pan if necessary. Pour enough hot water over just to cover. Place heavy large heatproof plate over stuffed grape leaves. Cover.
Simmer over medium-low heat until leaves are tender and rice is cooked through, about 1 hour. Using slotted spoon, transfer stuffed grape leaves to platter. Serve warm or cold with yogurt and lemon wedges.