Description
Tender grape leaves wrapped around a fragrant rice and herb filling, simmered in olive oil and lemon. A traditional Greek mezze perfect warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 1 jar (16 oz / 450 g) grape leaves, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup short-grain rice (such as Arborio or Calrose), rinsed
- 1 medium onion, very finely chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for cooking
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Carefully separate the grape leaves and rinse under cool water. Blanch thick leaves in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the rice and stir for 1 minute to coat the grains in oil. Remove from heat.
- Mix in dill, parsley, mint, pine nuts, salt, pepper, allspice, cinnamon, and lemon zest until evenly combined.
- Place a grape leaf shiny side down. Add 1 teaspoon of filling near the stem end.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom to form a cigar shape. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Line a wide pot with a few torn grape leaves. Arrange the stuffed leaves seam-side down in layers.
- Pour lemon juice and water or broth over the dolmadakia. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Place a heatproof plate on top to prevent unrolling. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature with extra lemon if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh grape leaves if available—just blanch them first.
- Dolmadakia can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze after cooking for longer storage.
- They taste even better the next day after flavors meld.
- Serve with yogurt dip, tzatziki, or on a mezze platter.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
