40 preserved grape leaves
1 c rice
1/2 lb lamb, ground
1 1/2 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1/4 t allspice
1/4 t cinnamon
2 T vegetable oil
1/4 c fresh lemon juice
water
1. Remove preserved grape leaves from jar and rinse with water. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix rice ground lamb, salt, pepper, allspice, cinnamon, and vegetable oil. Place a heaping teaspoonful of rice mixture on dull side of grape leaf. Begin rolling in a jelly roll fashion. After the first roll, tuck in the ends, and continue rolling. The roll should be firm, but not too tight so that the expanding rice won't burst it and not too loose so it won't sag and the filling won't ooze out. Repeat with the rest of the leaves and the filling.
3. In a 2 1/2 quart pan, arrange rolls in compact rows. Add enough water to just below the top row of rolls. Place a small plate on top of the rolls. This is to weigh them down so they will remain intact while they cook. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce heat. Cover and let simmer until leaves are tender (45 minutes). Most of the water should have evaporated at this point.
4. Uncover, add lemon juice and cook for 5 minutes longer. Remove from heat and transfer to serving platter. Serve with yogurt.
