Dolmades

Recipe: Dolmades
From: Jennrs

(I do not have the recipe in front of me, so I'm using my memory, which is what I usually do when I cook.) These are a staple food at our family gatherings. My grandmother is from Greece and Dolmades, along with Spanakopitas are 2 of her favorite Greek foods.

1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 -2 cans tomato paste
1/2 cup fresh mint (you can use dry, but, in my opinion it doesn't taste as good)
1/2 cup rice
juice from a lemon
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1 jar of grape leaves (can be found in most grocery stores)

Combine all ingredients through olive in oil in a large glass bowl. I like a lot of tomato paste and olive oil in mine (you can add more or take away some)

Spread a few grapeleaves out. Take meat mixture and pat together tablespoon size balls. Place the ball in the middle of a grape leave and fold the leaves over the mixture. Place the leaf, folded side down in a large boiling pot. Continue until all grape leaves are used.

Cover leaves with water and bring to boil(I always place a cut lemon in the water while it boils). Simmer for 25 minutes. Take out and enjoy!