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Stuffed Grape Leaves with Gorgonzola & Olives
1 (8-ounce) jar grape leaves, drained and rinsed*
3/4 cup chopped green olives
3/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
3/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts
5 tablespoons chopped fresh
basil
leaves
4 Roma (plum)
tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 red bell pepper, cored and chopped
3 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh
garlic
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Salt and freshly ground
black pepper
to taste
* To use fresh grape leaves: Grape leaves are
best picked from grape vines in the Spring, while they are still tender. Select young
whole, medium leaves. NOTE: Be sure and pick them before the first spray as most sprays
are toxic. About 1 1/2 pounds of fresh leaves are the same as one jar of preserved leaves.
Blanch fresh grape leaves until they are soft (the time will depend on the leaves - fresh
ones will only take a minute) They can be washed and frozen between layers of waxed paper
or plastic wrap and will keep for a year.
To prepare the grape leaves, bring 2 quarts water to a boil. Unroll the grape
leaves. The leaves are fragile, and they may be packed with overlapping folds, making it
fairly tough to isolate them. Place the leaves in the boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes to
soften the leaves and rid them of the brine (this makes the leaves easier to handle and
roll). NOTE: Don't throw away any torn or damaged leaves, as they can be used to patch
holes in other leaves.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the leaves from the water and lay on paper towels to
drain. With a sharp knife or scissors, cut out the protruding stems and any hard veins
from the leaves. Set the grape leaves aside.
In a bowl, mix the green olives, Kalamata olives, Gorgonzola cheese,
macadamia nuts, basil, tomatoes, bell pepper, garlic, and brown sugar. Season
with salt and pepper.
To stuff the leaves, start with your largest leaves. Take a leaf and carefully spread
it on a flat plate or pan with the veins facing upward to you (leaf shiny side
down). If the leaf is torn or has a hole in it, take a reserved damaged leaf and use it as
a patch, place the leaf over the hole.
Place a heaped tablespoonful of the olive and Gorgonzola mixture in
the center near the stem end of the
leaf (the amount of stuffing will depend on the size of the leaves). Press the stuffing
into a small sausage-like shape. Fold the stem end pf the leaf over the filling, then fold
both sides toward the middle, and then roll up into a cigar shape. The
rolls should be cylindrical (about 2 inches long and 1/2 inch thick). Squeeze lightly in
the palm of your hand to secure the rolls. Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and
filling.
Transfer the stuffed grape rolls to a serving dish. Cover with plastic wrap and
refrigerate. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
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