Waraa Ainab bi zyait(stuffed grape leaves)

INGREDIENTS NEEDED:

• 1 jar of grape leaves (12-16 oz) rinsed and drained
• 3-4 garlic cloves ( finely chopped)
• 1 cup of  white rice, uncooked
• ½  cup of  cooked ground beef or lamb-(optional)
• 2 tablespoon of finely chopped Parsley
• 1 green onion finely chopped
• ½ cup of olive oil
• 2 cups of water
• 2-tsps of salt
• 1 tsp of red chili flakes
• ½ cup of lemon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tomatoes finely chopped
• 1 medium potato

PREPERATION:

• Rinse grape leaves and drain well, set aside.  Soak rice in 2 cups of hot water for 10 minutes
• Cut potato in rings and place in the bottom of a large pot. In the rice bowl add the rest of the ingredients, (tomatoes, meat, parsley garlic, 1 tsp of salt, pepper, chili flakes and green onions and mix together.
• Place a spoonful of the mixture on top of the leaves and roll tucking the ends in. place the rolled leaves on top of the potatoes.  In a separate bowl add two cups of  water and the lemon juice with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt.
• Place a small glass plate over the rolls to prevent them from unroll during cooking time. Place a can on top of the plate for extra added weight.
• Bring mixture to a boil, and then reduce to simmer for 25-35 minutes.
• Remove  hot plate and serve