Description
Tender grape leaves stuffed with a fragrant mixture of rice, ground meat, fresh herbs, and warm spices, then gently simmered in lemony broth for a flavorful Mediterranean classic perfect for appetizers or main dishes.
Ingredients
60 grape leaves (jarred, rinsed, drained)
1 cup long-grain white rice (soaked and drained)
½ pound ground beef or lamb
1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
1½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 2 lemons (plus extra for serving)
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Rinse and drain grape leaves.
- Soak rice in water for 20 minutes, then drain.
- Sauté onion in olive oil until softened. Add ground beef, allspice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Remove from heat, cool slightly, then stir in rice, parsley, dill, mint, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Place a grape leaf vein-side up. Add 1 tablespoon filling near the base, fold in sides, and roll tightly. Repeat with all leaves and filling.
- Arrange rolls seam-side down in a pot. Pour in broth, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. Place a small plate over the rolls to keep them in place.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 45–60 minutes until rice is cooked and leaves are tender.
- Let rest 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or cold with extra lemon.
Notes
- For vegetarian dolmas, omit meat and increase rice, onion, and herbs.
- For extra tang, add more lemon juice to the cooking liquid.
- Layer sliced tomatoes or onions at the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
- Freeze cooked dolmas for up to 3 months.
- Pack tightly and use a plate on top to prevent unrolling during cooking.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 dolmas
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
