Best 5 Dolmathakia Yialantzi Stuffed Grape Leaves Recipes

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Dolmathakia, also known as Yialantzi, is a traditional Greek dish consisting of vine leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and minced meat. It is a popular appetizer or main course, often served with a side of yogurt or lemon sauce. The preparation of dolmathakia is an intricate process that requires skill and patience, but the result is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. This article provides two recipes for dolmathakia: the classic version with minced meat, and a vegetarian variation with lentils and vegetables. Both recipes include step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and helpful tips to ensure success in the kitchen.

**Classic Dolmathakia (Yialantzi) Recipe**

This classic recipe features a savory filling of minced meat, rice, herbs, and spices, all wrapped in tender vine leaves. The detailed instructions guide you through the process of preparing the vine leaves, cooking the rice, and assembling the dolmathakia. You'll also learn how to make a flavorful broth to cook the stuffed vine leaves, ensuring they retain their delicate flavor and texture.

**Vegetarian Dolmathakia (Yialantzi) Recipe**

This vegetarian variation of dolmathakia is a delightful option for those who prefer a meatless meal. Lentils, vegetables, and herbs come together to create a hearty and flavorful filling that is wrapped in vine leaves and cooked in a savory broth. The recipe includes tips for selecting the right lentils and vegetables, as well as instructions for making a delicious vegan yogurt sauce to accompany the dolmathakia.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this article provides all the information you need to prepare delicious dolmathakia. With its comprehensive recipes, helpful tips, and beautiful photography, this guide will help you create a dish that is both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

"DOLMATHAKIA AVGOLEMONO" MEAT STUFFED GRAPE LEAVE



These are mostly made during the winter. But because I recently posted the it's "cousin" appetizer or as we Greeks call meze! I thought of posting them close together:) Try making them with blanched cabbage or lettuce. They are time and labor-intensive, so the recipe is for a pretty large quantity. I promise you the end results...

Provided by Maria *

Categories     Rice Sides

Time 2h40m

Number Of Ingredients 11

40-50 fresh grape leaves blanched or 1 jar of large grape leaves in brine, very well washed to remove salt.
2 lb ground beef, pork, lamb or mixture of 1-2 or all 3 meats. mixture of meats makes the filling more tender.
1 c of uncooked short-grain rice
2 medium-large onions, finely chopped
1/2 c olive oil
1/2 c finely chopped parsley
1/2 c finely chopped dill or mint
1/2 c juice of 3 lemons
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp sea salt
2 c water

Steps:

  • 1. If using fresh grape leaves, wash and blanch them by dipping in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness of leaves. Remove leaves and place them in a bowl and cover with cold water to cool. Cut off the stems. If using bottled or canned wash thoroughly to remove salt. If you feel they are not tender enough, they also can be blanched for about 3 minutes.
  • 2. To prepare filling, soak the rice for 10 minutes in hot water and drain. In a bowl, combine ground beef, rice, onions, olive oil, parsley, dill or mint, juice of 1 lemon, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper. Mix well by hand.
  • 3. To stuff the leaves , place a teaspoon of stuffing on the non-shiny surface of each grape leaf at the point where the stem was. Fold up the bottom of the leaf over the filling, then each side inward and roll up loosely but firm to give mixture room to expand while cooking. Repeat until all the filling has been used.
  • 4. Line the bottom of a heavy-bottomed pot with broken or unused leaves. Place the dolmathakia on top, packing them closely together (not squashed), seam side down, so they don't unroll while cooking. Layer them all in the pot (I usually get 2-3 layers). Place several unused leaves on the top. Weigh down the dolmathakia by placing a heavy plate upside down on top of the dolmathakia. Add 2 cups of water to the pot and cover. Bring the water to a gentle boil. Add the remaining lemon juice, remaining salt, pepper and olive oil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for approximately 50-70 minutes. Check to see if done. If the rice has cooked, they are done. If not, continue cooking for another 10 minutes and check again. Cooking time differs on type of pot used and the stovetop element.
  • 5. Avgolemono: Traditional Greek Egg-Lemon Sauce This creamy sauce works wonderfully with most vegetable dishes - casserole and steamed - and is a favorite with stuffed cabbage. Use it to give a special touch to leftovers containing ground meat, rice, or vegetables where the lemon taste will blend. Ingredients: 2-3 eggs, separated juice of 2-3 lemons broth from the dish being cooked Preparation: With a fork beat eggs both yolks and whites), slowly add the lemon juice. While beating or whisking continuously, slowly add 2-3 ladlesful of broth. Add the avgolemono sauce on the dolmathakia- in the pot and shake the pot in a circular way so the sauce covers all the dolmathakia. Don't stir with fork or spoon cause the dolmathakia will break. Cover with a towel for 10 minutes and then serve.
  • 6. Serving: Individual servings of dolmathakia are 4-5 pieces on small plates as an appetizer, however they can also be used as a side or main dish. Storage: These will keep well in the refrigerator for several days. Return to room temperature before serving. Drizzle olive oil on top and cover to store. These can also be frozen. If you do freeze, reheat in the microwave or by steaming and serve warm. Don't just thaw and eat. It is always best to make the Egg Lemon Sauce fresh. Tips: With any leftover filling you can stuff vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and eggplant. To make as a main course, use larger grape leaves and increase the amount of filling to 1 Tbsp on each leaf.

"DOLMATHAKIA YIALANTZI" STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES



These are usually made during lent, as they don't contain any meat. But really any time of the year served cold with some lemon juice or dip in "tzaztiki" sauce or minted flavored yogurt. To make these you need to have available time. Yes, labor intensive but well worth your time & effort to make them. Store in the fridge...I can't say for how long cause among my family they usually don't last more than a couple of days. When served for a dinner party they're gone in no time. ENJOY! Recipe & pictures are from a Greek cookbook I have been using for many years.

Provided by Maria * @WWCook1

Categories     Other Main Dishes

Number Of Ingredients 8

70 - vine leaves, fresh or jar
6 - grated onions or 10 finely chopped green onions
1/2 cup(s) olive oil
1 cup(s) white short grain rice
5 tablespoon(s) finely chopped dill, parsley or mint or combination of 2 or 3 of the herbs
- salt & freshly ground black pepper
1-2 - lemons, juice only
- water to cover

Steps:

  • If using fresh vine leaves, blanch them first by dipping in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness of leaves. Remove leaves and place them in a bowl and cover with cold water to cool. If using bottled or canned wash thoroughly to remove salt. If you feel they are not tender enough, they also can be blanched for about 3 minutes.. Lay drained leaves on paper towels.
  • Gently saute the onions in 4 Tbsp. of olive oil, then stir in the rice and saute a few minutes more, 5-6 minutes total.. Add the dill or the combination you prefer and season with salt and pepper.
  • On a clean counter or table spread leaves open with shiny side down and cut stem. The filling will go on the non-shiny surface. Place 1/2-1 Tbsp of filling (depending on size of leaf)on the bottom part of the leaf, where the stewm was. Roll bottom of leaf over the filling once, then fold both sides and then continue to roll. Not too tightly to give rice room to expand. (Like tiny spring roll)
  • Line the bottom of a deep saucepan with a layer of unfilled vine leaves. On top arrange the stuffed vine leaves in layers with the seem down. Pack them tightly so they don't open-unroll.
  • Add the lemon juice, the remaining olive oil, salt and pepper and enough water to cover the stuffed vine leaves. Weigh down the stuffed vine leaves with a plate. This is to ensure they don't open while cooking. Cover the saucepan and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked. If necessary add more water to prevent sticking. Cool uncovered in the saucepan. Serve warm or at room temperature or even cold with lemon juice. Allso great dipped in"Tzatziki" sauce or minted flavored yogurt (mix a couple of tsp chopped mint in a cup of yogurt) Kali orexi! (Have a good appetite)

DOLMATHAKIA (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES WITH RICE AND HERBS)



Dolmathakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves With Rice and Herbs) image

Tender grape leaves are used to wrap rice, pine nuts, and fresh herbs. A great vegetarian appetizer, these can be served cold or at room temperature.

Provided by Lynn Livanos Athan

Categories     Appetizer     Snack     Side Dish

Time 2h14m

Number Of Ingredients 11

50 to 60 fresh grape leaves (or 1 (16-ounce) jar brined grape leaves)
1 cup olive oil (divided)
6 large onions (minced)
1 1/2 cups long-grain rice (uncooked)
1 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
1/2 cup fresh dill (chopped)
1/2 cup pine nuts
2 tablespoons dried mint
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 lemons (juiced)

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)



Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves) image

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

1 cup olive oil
3 large onions, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup rice
1 teaspoon dill weed
1/2 cup chopped parsley
6 scallions, minced (including green tops)
2 lemons
2 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 lbs grape leaves

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

DOLMATHAKIA STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES



Dolmathakia Stuffed Grape Leaves image

Although the time to make this is little bite of heaven is teadious - it is well worth the compliments - these can be stored for up to a week plus in the refridgerator

Provided by Ravenseyes

Categories     Greek

Time 1h5m

Yield 60 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

50 -60 grape leaves (fresh or packaged, blanched)
1/2 cup olive oil
4 green onions, finely chopped
1 cup long grain rice
2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
2 tablespoons dill (finely chopped fresh)
2 tablespoons mint (finely chopped fresh)
2 tablespoons parsley (finely chopped fresh)
1 -2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup olive oil
3 -4 cups water

Steps:

  • the grape leaves have already been blanched, simply rinse and set in a colander to drain. If they are fresh, wash well and soak in hot salted water for 5 minutes, then drain.
  • Heat 1/2 cup of olive oil over medium heat, and sauté the onion until soft.
  • Add rice, half the lemon juice, herbs, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of water, increase heat and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes and turn off heat.
  • Allow the filling to sit for 5-10 minutes.
  • Place one teaspoon of filling at the stem end of a grape leaf and roll. Continue until filling has been used. (If any of the leaves are very small, use two for each roll.)
  • Line the bottom of a pot with unused or broken grape leaves and place the rolls, seam side down, in the pot in layers. Add 1/3 cup of olive oil and the 3-4 cups of water (enough to reach the top of the rolls). Place a plate on top of the rolls to hold them securely while cooking and bring to a full boil. Cook for 20 minutes or until only the sauce remains.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 40.7, Fat 3.1, SaturatedFat 0.4, Sodium 134.7, Carbohydrate 3, Fiber 0.1, Protein 0.4

Tips:

  • Select tender grape leaves: Choose fresh, young grape leaves that are pliable and easy to roll. If using store-bought grape leaves, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them.
  • Prepare the filling beforehand: Make the filling ahead of time so that the flavors have time to meld. This will also make the assembly process much easier.
  • Use a variety of herbs and spices: Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile for your dolmathakia. Some popular options include dill, parsley, mint, oregano, thyme, and cumin.
  • Roll the dolmathakia tightly: Make sure to roll the dolmathakia tightly so that they hold their shape during cooking. Use a toothpick or skewer to secure the ends of the rolls if necessary.
  • Cook the dolmathakia over low heat: Simmer the dolmathakia over low heat to prevent them from breaking apart. This will also help to infuse the filling with the flavors of the broth.

Conclusion:

Dolmathakia, also known as yialantzi, are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. With their tender grape leaves, flavorful filling, and aromatic broth, dolmathakia are sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a unique and satisfying meal, give dolmathakia a try!

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