Coconut Dolmas

Serves 8

Wrapper
24 fresh grape leaves, soaked in salt water overnight and rinsed
note: substitute thoroughly rinsed jarred organic leaves if fresh leaves are not available

Filling
4 cups finely shredded dried coconut, soaked overnight and gently pressed to remove excess water
½ cup green and/or black olives, pitted and chopped
½ cup sundried tomatoes
½ cup fresh spring onions, chopped
½ cup pine nuts
½ cup dried black currants or raisins, soaked overnight
½ cup fresh lemon juice
½ cup olive oil
Finely minced fresh jalapeno pepper or chili flakes, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Sea salt, to taste

Combine the filling ingredients in a large bowl, stir thoroughly, and marinate for at least 1 hour.

To assemble, cover the bottom of a shallow casserole dish with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice and black pepper. Spoon a small amount of filling into the closest side of a grape leaf and roll, tucking the sides in after the first roll. Lay the open side down in the casserole dish, stacking as necessary. After all the leaves have been filled, place in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to seal them closed.