Dolmades
Greek Stuffed Grape Leaves
Tender grape leaves delicately wrapped around a flavorful mixture of herbed rice, toasted pine nuts, and sweet currants, all gently simmered and served with a bright lemon finish. A classic Mediterranean appetizer.
🧂 Ingredients
- 50 leaves Grape leaves(Use brined jarred leaves (rinse thoroughly) or fresh leaves (blanch before use). Ensure they are tender and pliable.)
- 300 g Short-grain rice(Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.)
- 3 medium Yellow onions(Finely chopped. About 1.5 cups.)
- 1/2 cup Fresh mint(Finely chopped. Packed.)
- 1/2 cup Fresh dill(Finely chopped. Packed.)
- 60 g Pine nuts(Lightly toast in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.)
- 60 g Currants(Or substitute with raisins, finely chopped.)
- 120 ml Extra virgin olive oil(Divided. 60ml for the filling and 60ml for cooking.)
- 120 ml Fresh lemon juice(From about 2-3 lemons.)
- 2 cups Water or vegetable broth(Approximately, adjust as needed to cover the dolmades.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(Or to taste.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Grape Leaves: If using brined leaves, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water multiple times to remove excess salt. Gently separate the leaves. If using fresh leaves, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green and become pliable. Immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking, then drain and pat dry.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 2
Prepare the Filling: Heat 60ml of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Do not brown them. In a large bowl, combine the rinsed and drained rice, sautéed onions, chopped fresh mint, chopped fresh dill, toasted pine nuts, and currants. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in the remaining 60ml of olive oil and mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Assemble the Dolmades: Lay a grape leaf flat, vein-side up. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the rice filling near the stem end. Fold the sides of the leaf inward over the filling. Then, starting from the stem end, tightly roll the leaf up to form a neat parcel. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling. Aim for consistent, firm rolls.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes - 4
Cook the Dolmades: Line the bottom of a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with a few extra grape leaves or any torn leaves to prevent sticking. Arrange the rolled dolmades snugly in layers, seam-side down, in the pot. Pack them tightly to ensure they hold their shape during cooking. Pour the lemon juice and approximately 2 cups of water or broth over the dolmades. The liquid should almost cover them; add a little more if needed. Place a heatproof plate directly on top of the dolmades to keep them submerged and prevent them from unraveling. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Simmer: Bring the liquid to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender, and the leaves are soft. Check periodically to ensure there is still liquid; add a splash more water if it seems to be drying out too quickly. The dolmades should be tender and fragrant.
⏱️ 1 hour - 6
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let the dolmades rest, covered, for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the dolmades to firm up slightly. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and lemon juice if desired.
⏱️ 20 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Don't overfill the grape leaves, as the rice will expand during cooking. Leave enough room for expansion.
- ✓Pack the dolmades tightly in the pot to ensure they maintain their shape and don't unravel during simmering.
- ✓Serve at room temperature or chilled. They are excellent as part of a meze platter with tzatziki or a simple yogurt dip.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the cooking liquid.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely ground lamb or beef to the filling mixture for a heartier, non-vegetarian version.
- Serve with Avgolemono sauce (a lemon-egg sauce) for a creamy, tangy accompaniment.
- Incorporate chopped parsley or other fresh herbs into the filling.