Vegetarian Grape Leaves with Lentils

I modified a traditional recipe from my Arabic mother-in-law, simply swapping out the meat for lentils to make it vegetarian.

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Step 1

Rinse rice and lentils. Soak in water for about 30 minutes while you prepare the leaves.

Step 2

Thoroughly rinse the canned leaves to remove the sour bitter taste. I rinse the leaves one at a time on both sides of the leaf for the best flavor.

Step 3

Saute diced onion with a little olive oil until soft

Step 4

Drain excess water from rice and lentils

Step 5

Combine all ingredients and mix well

Step 6

Spread some olive oil to line the pot, place a few cabbage leaves or sliced tomatoes on the bottom.

Step 7

Fill grape leaves, shiny side of leaf facing down

Step 8

Put a sturdy plate face down on top of your stack of grape leaves to prevent them from opening. Pour hot water until leaves are just barely covered.

Step 9

Set the Instant Pot to Beans/Chili and cook for 15 minutes. Serve hot with a side of plain Greek yogurt for dipping (optional)