Description
Dolmadakia, or Greek stuffed grape leaves, are a beloved Mediterranean delicacy made with tender vine leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. Served warm or cold with lemon wedges or tzatziki, they make a perfect appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 jar (about 60) vine leaves in brine, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup uncooked short-grain rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice (optional)
- Juice of 2 lemons (plus more for serving)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
Instructions
- Rinse the grape leaves thoroughly to remove brine, then blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent.
- Add the rice and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Stir in parsley, dill, mint, salt, pepper, and allspice. Add 1/2 cup water, simmer until absorbed (about 5 minutes), then remove from heat. Let cool slightly.
- Place a grape leaf shiny side down. Add 1–2 tsp of the rice mixture near the stem end, fold sides over, and roll tightly like a cigar. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Line the bottom of a pot with a few extra grape leaves. Arrange dolmadakia seam-side down, tightly packed in layers.
- Drizzle with remaining olive oil and lemon juice. Pour in vegetable broth until just covered.
- Place a heat-safe plate on top to keep dolmadakia from moving. Cover and simmer on low heat for 40–50 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or chilled with lemon wedges or tzatziki.
Notes
- For a non-vegetarian version, add ground beef or lamb to the rice mixture.
- They taste even better the next day after flavors meld.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days; drizzle with olive oil before serving leftovers.
- Can be frozen before or after cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: dolmadakia, stuffed grape leaves, vegan Greek food, rice rolls, Mediterranean appetizers, mezze platter