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Stuffed Grape Leaves

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Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas) are tender grape leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. This Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorite is perfect served warm or cold as an appetizer, snack, or part of a mezze platter.

Ingredients

  • 1 jar (16 oz) grape leaves, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (plus more for drizzling)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • Optional: 1/2 cup ground beef or lamb (for meat version)
  • Optional: 2 tbsp pine nuts or currants

Instructions

  1. If using jarred grape leaves, rinse and drain them well. If using fresh, blanch in hot water until tender and pliable.
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions until soft. Stir in rice and cook for 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add chopped herbs, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and optional meat, pine nuts, or currants. Cook until the meat is browned (if using) and rice is partially cooked (about 5–7 minutes). Let cool slightly.
  4. Lay a grape leaf flat, vein side up. Place 1 tbsp of filling near the base, fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
  5. Line the bottom of a large pot with a few grape leaves to prevent sticking.
  6. Layer rolled grape leaves seam-side down in the pot, tightly packed.
  7. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Add enough water or broth to just cover the dolmas.
  8. Place a plate on top to weigh them down. Cover and simmer on low for 45–60 minutes, until tender and the rice is fully cooked.
  9. Let cool. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Don’t overfill—rice expands during cooking.
  • Roll tightly, but not too tight to avoid tearing.
  • Flavors develop even more after resting overnight in the fridge.
  • Serve with tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/stuffed-grape-leaves/