Description
These authentic Mediterranean stuffed grape leaves, also known as dolmades, are filled with a savory mixture of rice, fresh herbs, and spices, then gently cooked in a lemony broth. Perfect as an appetizer or part of a mezze spread.
Ingredients
- 60 to 70 grape leaves in brine, rinsed well
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups short-grain rice, rinsed and drained
- ¾ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¾ cup chopped fresh dill
- ½ cup chopped fresh mint
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 2 lemons (plus more for garnish)
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water (more if needed)
Instructions
- Rinse grape leaves and trim any stems. Set aside on paper towels to dry.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sauté chopped onions until translucent.
- Add rice and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
- Stir in parsley, dill, mint, salt, allspice, and black pepper. Let mixture cool slightly.
- Place a grape leaf (shiny side down) on a flat surface. Add about 1 tablespoon of filling near the stem end.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly into a cigar shape. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Line the bottom of a large pot with torn grape leaves to prevent sticking. Arrange stuffed grape leaves seam-side down in tight rows.
- Drizzle remaining olive oil and lemon juice over the top. Add enough broth or water to cover the dolmades.
- Place a heat-safe plate on top to keep them from floating. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
- Cook for 40 to 60 minutes, until rice is tender and grape leaves are soft.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with lemon wedges or a side of tzatziki, if desired.
Notes
- You can make dolmades ahead and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Use fresh grape leaves if available; blanch them before use.
- Dolmades are traditionally served at room temperature.
- Adjust lemon juice and herbs to taste.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 dolmades
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
