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pickling grape leaves in a jar
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4.78 from 9 votes

How to Pickle Grape Leaves

Pickled grape leaves for making Middle Eastern dolma, and Greek Dolmathes. 
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Other
Cuisine: Assyrian, Greek, Middle Eastern
Servings: 1 jar
Calories: 167kcal

Equipment

  • 1 quart-sized mason jar

Ingredients

  • 60+ grape leaves freshly picked
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon citric acid
  • 1 quart sized Ball Wide Mouth Jar

Instructions

  • Wash the leaves thoroughly, paying special attention to the back of the leaves, where bugs like to hang out and party!
  • Next, put the leaves in piles of ten, making sure all the leaves are facing the same direction. This will make things easier when it comes time to stuff them.
  • Boil approximately 8 cups of water, then simmer on low. Using tongs, gently place one pile of leaves in the water for 15 seconds, then carefully flip the entire pile and immerse for an additional 15 seconds.
  • After blanching for 30 seconds, drape the leaves over the side of a bowl and continue with the remaining piles.
  • Once the water has drained out of the leaves, roll each pile into a cigar-shaped roll.
  • Tie each pile with string. This will help keep them from unrolling when you place them in the jar.
  • Boil three cups of water and stir in the salt and citric acid until completely dissolved. Stand the rolled leaves in a sterilized jar and pour the salted water over them, leaving ¼" headspace. Tighten the lid and process in boiling water for 10 minutes.
  • Store the bottle in a cool, dark location until the next time you're in the mood for dolma! 

Notes

  • The preserved grape leaves should last approximately 6 months if not more.
  • The leaves can be used immediately after being blanched to make Middle Eastern Dolma or Greek Dolmathes. Or leave them in the brine to be used at a later date.
  • Rinse the leaves before using them in your favorite recipe.
  • Instead of citric acid, fresh lemon juice can be used to preserve the grape leaves. Just add the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon to each jar of grape leaves.

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 5296mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 11g