Stuffed Grape Leaves--Yaprak Sarmasi

INGREDIENTS
500 g. grape leaves
1 1/2 c. rice
1 large onion
6 T. olive oil
1 t. sumac
1 T. salt
1 t. black pepper
1 t. red pepper
1 lemon
3 c. water

 DIRECTIONS
1-Chop the onion into small pieces, and sauté in a pot with 3 T. oil, until the onions are light pink.
2- Add rice, spices, and salt, and mix well.
3- In one grape leaf, spoon 1 tablespoon of the rice mixture into the center. 
4-Secure it by closing the right side, then the left side, and tightly rolling it (like a cigarette).
5- Place a layer of empty grape leaves on the bottom of a large pot, to prevent burning.
 6-Then place the stuffed grape leaf carefully. Stuff and roll all the remaining grape leaves in the same way, and place them in layers.
7- Add lemon juice, water, and remaining 3 T. oil. 
8-Cook over medium heat for about 25 minutes. If the water boils away, add more hot water to pot. 
9-When finished cooking, cover and refrigerate.

Serve stuffed grape leaves cold with yogurt, salad, or as an appetizer.Afiyet olsun!