Herbed Goat Cheese and Fig Stuffed Grape Leaves
Indulge in these delightful grape leaves stuffed with a velvety blend of herbed goat cheese and sweet figs. This dish is a perfect harmony of flavors, combining the luscious sweetness of fresh figs and raisins with the creamy tang of goat cheese, enhanced by toasted pine nuts and fresh chives. Every bite offers a satisfying crunch contrasted with the chewy texture of the grape leaves, making it an elegant yet healthy snack that will impress your guests. Ideal for summer gatherings, these stuffed grape leaves can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, serving as a sophisticated appetizer or a light lunch. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and elevate your culinary skills. Check out the step-by-step photos here: http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=250725.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh figs
3 ounces (pureed)
heavy cream
3 ounces (or softened cream cheese)
herbed goat cheese
4 ounces (softened)
egg
1 (beaten)
raisins
1 ounce (chopped)
pine nuts
2 ounces (toasted)
chives
2 tablespoons (chopped)
grape leaves
25 (rinsed and stem removed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a food processor, puree the fresh figs with heavy cream (or softened cream cheese with a splash of milk) until smooth.
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the fig puree, beaten egg, and herbed goat cheese until well combined.
4
Carefully fold in the raisins, toasted pine nuts, and chopped chives, mixing until evenly distributed.
5
Lay out a grape leaf on a clean surface and place about 1 tablespoon of the filling near the base of the leaf.
6
Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the base to the tip, ensuring the filling is sealed inside.
7
Repeat the process with the remaining grape leaves and filling.
8
Place the stuffed grape leaves on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until warmed through.
9
Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your exquisite creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Herbed Goat Cheese and Fig Stuffed Grape Leaves.
What are the primary flavors in this dish?
The dish features a harmony of sweet fresh figs and raisins combined with the creamy tang of herbed goat cheese.
How many grape leaves are required for this recipe?
You will need 25 grape leaves that have been rinsed and had their stems removed.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the stuffed grape leaves need to bake?
Bake them in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes or until warmed through.
Can these be served at room temperature?
Yes, they can be enjoyed either warm or at room temperature.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
What type of goat cheese should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 ounces of herbed goat cheese, softened.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use softened cream cheese with a splash of milk as a substitute for the heavy cream.
How should the figs be prepared?
The fresh figs should be pureed in a food processor with heavy cream until smooth.
Are there any nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 ounces of toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
How much filling goes into each grape leaf?
Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling near the base of each leaf before rolling.
What is the best way to roll the grape leaves?
Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the base to the tip.
Does the recipe use eggs?
Yes, it uses one beaten egg mixed into the filling.
What kind of raisins are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 ounce of chopped raisins.
Are fresh herbs used in this recipe?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It offers a velvety blend of cheese and figs with a satisfying crunch from pine nuts and a chewy texture from the leaves.
Is this considered a healthy dish?
Yes, it is described as an elegant yet healthy snack or light lunch option.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is categorized as an appetizer, snack, and a Mediterranean dish.
Do I need to oil the baking sheet?
Yes, the stuffed grape leaves should be placed on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
How much fresh fig is used?
The recipe uses 3 ounces of fresh figs.
When should the pine nuts and raisins be added?
Carefully fold them into the fig and cheese mixture after the puree and eggs are combined.
Can I see photos of the process?
The description suggests checking step-by-step photos at the Recipezaar forum link provided.
What is the primary liquid used to puree the figs?
Heavy cream is the primary liquid used to puree the figs.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being ideal for summer gatherings.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients listed in the recipe.
What should I do with the grape leaf stems?
The stems should be removed before stuffing and rolling the leaves.
How do I ensure the filling stays inside?
By folding the sides over and rolling the leaf tightly from base to tip, you seal the filling inside.
Is the goat cheese mixed with the egg?
Yes, whisk the fig puree, beaten egg, and herbed goat cheese together until well combined.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
The instructions describe it as an easy-to-follow recipe that helps elevate culinary skills.