Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves

It was difficult but I finally made these grape leaves with my mom so I could get exact measurements for the ingredients. It is lways difficult since she rarely measures any ingredients. Enjoy!  

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cups long grain rice
½ can chickpeas drained, split and peeled
2 ripe large tomatoes chopped
1 bunch parsley washed and chopped
1 medium onion chopped
White pepper to taste
Pinch of cinnamon
Fine red pepper to taste
Black pepper to taste
Dried or chopped fresh mint to taste
1 Teaspoon salt
Juice from 1 ½ lemons
7 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small jar grape leaves in water
Water to cover grape leaves in pot

Directions:

Wash rice well and drain.  Chop all vegetables  and mix all ingredients together.  Wash grape leaves, changing water several times and drain well.

Wrap grape leaves by putting stuffing mixture by tablespoons according to the size you want in the center of one of the leaves (for appetizers small and for a main course medium).  Turn in the corners and wrap loosely. Arrange and layer on bottom of medium size pot and sprinkle with salt and cover with a heavy dish. Fill water to cover grape leaves and cook on medium heat until it starts boiling. Turn down the heat and continue to cook on low for 45 minutes to an hour until done.  

Make someone smile cook something delicious!