Vegetarian Grape Leaf Rolls with Pine Nuts and Herb Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fresh take on stuffed grape leaves filled with a delicate blend of short-grain rice, toasted pine nuts, and vibrant fresh herbs, perfect for a light appetizer or snack. This middle eastern-inspired middle eastern (vegetarian) ready in about 75 minutes pairs leaves, rinsed and drained grape leaves, short-grain white rice, small, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 170 calories and feeds 5, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 35 min Serves 5 Middle Eastern cuisine 170 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup short-grain white rice under cold water until clear, then drain.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté for 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the rice and cook for 2 minutes, coating each grain with oil.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 3/4 cups water, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes until water is absorbed but rice is still firm.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and fluff rice gently. Stir in 3 tbsp toasted pine nuts, 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill, 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Let cool to room temperature.
  6. Step 6: Lay one grape leaf shiny side down, place about 1 tbsp filling near the stem end, fold in sides, and roll tightly into a small cylinder. Repeat with all leaves and filling.
  7. Step 7: Arrange rolls seam side down in a wide pot. Drizzle remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over the top.
  8. Step 8: Place a heatproof plate on top and add enough water to cover halfway up the plate. Cover and simmer gently over low heat for 35 minutes until leaves are tender and flavors meld.
  9. Step 9: Serve warm or at room temperature as a vegetarian appetizer.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Grape Leaf Rolls with Pine Nuts and Herb Rice take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (40 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Vegetarian Grape Leaf Rolls with Pine Nuts and Herb Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep short-grain white rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Grape Leaf Rolls with Pine Nuts and Herb Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Vegetarian Grape Leaf Rolls with Pine Nuts and Herb Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Vegetarian Grape Leaf Rolls with Pine Nuts and Herb Rice vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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