Dolmadakia, also known as stuffed grape leaves, is a classic dish with origins in Greek and Turkish cuisines. These delightful parcels are made with tender grape leaves, carefully stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground meat, herbs, and spices. The combination of tangy grape leaves and the savory filling creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying.
This article presents a comprehensive guide to making dolmadakia, offering two variations to cater to different preferences and dietary restrictions. The first recipe, Traditional Dolmadakia, features a classic combination of ground beef and pork, while the second, Vegetarian Dolmadakia, offers a meatless alternative with a medley of vegetables and herbs. Both recipes include step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure success in crafting these culinary gems.
In addition to the main recipes, this article also includes a bonus section with three additional variations of dolmadakia:
* **Lemon-Dill Dolmadakia:** This recipe adds a refreshing twist to the traditional version with the zesty flavors of lemon and dill.
* **Feta-Stuffed Dolmadakia:** This variation incorporates creamy feta cheese into the filling, creating a rich and flavorful combination.
* **Lamb Dolmadakia:** For those who prefer a bolder flavor profile, this recipe showcases the distinct taste of ground lamb.
Whether you are a seasoned cook looking to expand your culinary repertoire or a beginner seeking to impress your loved ones with a homemade delicacy, this article provides all the guidance and inspiration you need to create delicious dolmadakia that will leave a lasting impression.
DOLMADAKIA (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES)
I've had them out of a can (yuk!) now want to make them from scratch - someday, LOL. Times are just a guess on this one.
Provided by Julie Bs Hive
Categories Spanish
Time 1h40m
Yield 30 rolls
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in large frying pan (reserving 2 tablespoons of the oil for later use). Sauté onions with salt until transparent. Add pepper and rice, cook 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add dill, parsley, scallions, juice of 1 lemon and 1/2 cup of the water. Cook 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Correct seasoning.
- Rinse grape leaves very well; drain, separate very carefully. Place shiny side down. Put about 1 tablespoon filling on each leaf near base. Starting at base, fold over, fold in sides, then roll tightly toward tip into cigar shape.
- Line bottom of kettle with several of the imperfect leaves (to prevent sticking). Arrange rolls in kettle, side by side, in layers. Add reserved 2 tablespoons olive oil and juice of remaining lemon and 1 cup water. Weight down with heat proof plate. Simmer gently 25 minutes. Add remaining 1 cup water, simmer 25 minutes more. Cover rolls in kettle, then refrigerate. To serve, pile stuffed grape leaves on serving plate; garnish with lemon slices. Serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 111.8, Fat 7.7, SaturatedFat 1.1, Sodium 727.5, Carbohydrate 10.4, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 0.7, Protein 1.7
DOLMADES: STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 2h
Yield 36 dolmades; 6 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 27
Steps:
- In a large saute pan over medium high heat, heat 1/4-cup olive oil. Add the onions and saute until translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and pine nuts and saute for 2 minutes. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly. Add the rice, salt, raisins, mint and juice of 1 lemon to the bowl with the onion mixture and mix well. Set aside.
- Bring a medium pot of water to a simmer. Remove the grape leaves from the jar and drop them in batches of 4 or 5 into the hot water. Quickly remove them from the water and spread flat on a towel-lined work surface. Cut the stem from each grape leaf, as needed. (NOTE: Fresh grape leaves also need to be blanched for 1/2 minute.)
- To assemble the dolmades, place 1 grape leaf on the work surface, dull side (or underside) of the leaf up. Place 1 to 2 teaspoons of rice filling near the stem end of the leaf. Fold the stem (bottom) end up over the filling, fold the sides toward the filling in the center, then roll up the leaf into a small cylindrical package, being careful not to fold too tightly, as the rice will expand during cooking.
- Place the dolmades in a large Dutch oven or wide saute pan, seam side down. Combine the remaining cup of olive oil and juice of 1 lemon, and pour over the dolmades. Cover with a heavy plate or baking dish and add water to cover to the level of the plate. Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer for 1 hour, or until rice is tender.
- Serve at room temperature, with Kicked Up Tzatziki as a dipping sauce.
- In a medium bowl combine all the ingredients and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to marry.
- Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
- Recipe from New New Orleans Cooking, by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.
DOLMATHAKIA (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES WITH RICE AND HERBS)
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Rinse the leaves well to remove brine.
- Place the leaves in boiling water and boil for 3 to 5 minutes to soften them and make them more pliable. Remove from water and set aside.
- In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, heat 1/2 cup olive oil. Sauté the onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, parsley, dill, pine nuts, mint, salt, and pepper. Taste test and adjust the seasoning as desired.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Allow the filling to cool about 10 minutes.
- Line the bottom of a heavy saucepan with 2 or 3 grape leaves (use the broken or torn ones for this).
- Roll the dolmathakia by placing a leaf with the stem toward you on a flat surface. The underside of the leaf should be face up. (The veins of the leaf are raised on the underside.) Using the point of a sharp paring knife, cut out the stem of the leaf. Overlap the bottom two sections of the leaf toward the center.
- Place a tablespoon of filling in the bottom center of the leaf, just above the stem.
- Fold the bottom section up to cover the filling.
- Fold the sides in toward the center.
- Continue rolling the packet up toward the top point of the leaf.
- Place the rolls in layers, seam-side down, in the saucepan.
- Pour remaining 1/2 cup olive oil over the dolmathakia and enough water to cover them by about 1 inch.
- Place an inverted heatproof plate on top of the rolls to keep them submerged in the water.
- Cover the saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the leaves are tender and the rice filling is cooked through.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 62 kcal, Carbohydrate 5 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 270 mg, Sugar 1 g, Fat 5 g, ServingSize About 50 Pieces (50 Servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
DOLMADAKIA ( STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES)
This is a meatless version of stuffed grape leaves. It's originally from a magazine that featured a Greek Gourmet Dinner Party menu and recipes and I first served this in November of 1981. You can sub 2 teaspoons of dried dill for the fresh dill, but the fresh dill is definitely better!This can be made up to 2 days ahead. Make plenty- they're addictive!
Provided by Leslie in Texas
Categories Greek
Time 1h25m
Yield 48 stuffed leaves, 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In saucepan heat 1 cup water to boiling;add rice.
- Return to boiling and cover; reduce heat.
- Simmer 10 minutes;drain.
- In medium bowl combine rice,onions,parsley,dill,currents,pine nuts,oil,lemon juice and salt until well mixed; set aside.
- Remove leaves from jar and unroll; rinse in warm water and drain.
- Cut off stems and place leaves underside up, with stem ends toward you.
- Spoon a heaping teaspoonful of rice filling near the stem end of each.
- Fold lower edge of leaf over filling to cover.
- Fold in sides and roll up from stem end.
- *Don't panic if you tear leaves. Reserve them with the small leaves to line the pan for cooking.
- Line the bottom of a Dutch oven with reserved leaves(keeps the stuffed leaves from sticking).
- Arrange stuffed leaves seam-side down in 1 or 2 layers, depending on the size of the pan.
- Pour 3/4 cup water over rolls and place a plate, large enough to cover, directly on leaves.
- Heat water to boiling;cover and reduce heat.
- Simmer about 45 to 50 minutes.
- Refrigerate, still in pan, until cool, about 3 to 4 hours. (this will help retain their compact shape).
- Can be made ahead to this point. After they have cooled, remove from Dutch oven to a plastic container. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days.
- To serve, arrange on a platter with feta cheese and Greek olives.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 146.7, Fat 7.6, SaturatedFat 1, Sodium 1366.4, Carbohydrate 18.5, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 3.6, Protein 3.4
Tips:
- Choose the right grape leaves: Use fresh, tender vine leaves for the best results. If you're using jarred leaves, rinse them thoroughly and soak them in warm water for 30 minutes to soften them.
- Make sure the filling is well-seasoned: The filling should be flavorful and well-balanced. Use a variety of herbs and spices to create a delicious and aromatic filling.
- Roll the dolmadakia tightly: Roll the dolmadakia tightly so that they hold their shape during cooking. If they're too loose, they'll fall apart.
- Cook the dolmadakia slowly: Cook the dolmadakia slowly over low heat so that they have time to cook through without burning.
- Serve the dolmadakia warm or at room temperature: Dolmadakia can be served warm or at room temperature. They're a delicious appetizer or main course.
Conclusion:
Dolmadakia are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They're a healthy and flavorful way to add more vegetables to your diet. With a little planning and effort, you can make delicious dolmadakia at home. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give dolmadakia a try. You won't be disappointed!
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