Indulge in the captivating flavors of Dolmathes, a traditional Greek dish that showcases the harmonious blend of savory minced meat, aromatic herbs, and tender grape leaves. Wrapped with meticulous care, these culinary gems are lovingly simmered in a delectable broth, resulting in a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Embark on a delightful journey as you discover the secrets behind crafting these exquisite Dolmathes, with three variations to suit every palate. From the classic meat-stuffed version, bursting with savory goodness, to the vegetarian delight filled with a medley of wholesome grains and vegetables, and the unique seafood sensation brimming with the bounty of the ocean, these recipes offer an extraordinary culinary experience. Prepare to be captivated by the intricate flavors and textures of Dolmathes, a dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
DOLMATHAKIA ME KIMA: STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES WITH MEAT AND RICE
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, and add the juice of 1/2 lemon and the salt. Carefully unroll the leaves (do not separate them). Turn off the heat and place the leaves in the hot water for 3 minutes.
- Remove the leaves and place them in a bowl and cover with cold water. When cooled, drain in a colander. It is not unusual for many of the outer leaves in the jar to be damaged or to tear while using. Set these aside to use later in the recipe.
- To prepare the filling, start by soaking the rice for 10 minutes in hot water and drain. (Alternatively, sauté the rice with the onion.)
- Sauté the onions in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until translucent, not browned.
- In a bowl, combine the onion, ground beef, rice, remaining olive oil, dill, mint, juice of 1 lemon, salt, and pepper. Mix well by hand.
- To fill and roll the leaves, gently separate one leaf and place it shiny-side down on a work surface. Place a heaping teaspoon (or more depending on the size of the leaf) of the filling on the leaf at the point where the stem joins the leaf.
- Fold up the bottom of the leaf over the filling, then each side inward in parallel folds, and roll up the leaf. The roll should be firm, not tight, as the filling will expand during cooking. Repeat until all the filling has been used.
- Because the leaves on the bottom can burn while the filling cooks, put a plate or wooden souvlaki skewers in the bottom of a heavy-bottomed pot (see tip below). The plate should fit snugly in the pot.
- If there are unused leaves or leaves that were torn and not used during the filling process, put them on the plate or on top of the skewers. Place the dolmathakia on top, packing them closely together (not squashed), seam side down, so they don't unroll during cooking. Layer them until all are in the pot (two to three layers are best, but no more than four layers). Place several unused leaves over the top.
- Take another plate and place it upside down on top of the dolmathakia, using something to weigh it down (a second plate works well). Add the 2 cups of water to the pot and cover. Bring the water to a gentle boil, add the remaining juice from the 1 1/2 lemons, reduce heat to low, and simmer for approximately 50 to 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 depends both on the type of pot used and the particular stovetop heating element.
- If preferred, you can use a pressure cooker. No plates are needed but do use the skewers in the bottom. Pack the dolmathakia into the pressure cooker, add the 2 cups of water, close and cook for 15 to 20 minutes at the first pressure mark.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 225 kcal, Carbohydrate 10 g, Cholesterol 54 mg, Fiber 4 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 1205 mg, Sugar 1 g, Fat 12 g, ServingSize 10-12 Pieces (10-12 Servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
DOLMADES (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES)
Provided by Tyler Florence
Categories appetizer
Time 1h40m
Yield about 30 dolmades
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- To make the filling, coat a large saute pan with 1/4 cup of the oil and place over medium heat. Add the onion, fennel and lemon zest and stir until soft, about 10 minutes. Add the pine nuts and rice, saute for 2 minutes, stirring to coat. Pour in just 1/2 cup of the chicken stock and lower the heat. Simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is al dente, about 10 minutes. Scrape the parboiled rice mixture into a bowl and add the dill and parsley; season with salt and pepper. Allow to cool. Now on to the grape leaves.
- Bring a big pot of water to a simmer. Blanch the grape leaves in the hot water for 5 minutes until pliable. Drain then trim the stems and any hard veins from the leaves. Pat dry with paper towels.
- To assemble the dolmades, lay a grape leaf on a work surface, shiny-side down. Put 2 tablespoons of the rice filling near the stem end of the leaf. Fold the stem end over the filling, then fold both sides toward the middle, and roll up into a cigar ¿ it should be snug but not overly tight because the rice will swell once it is fully cooked. Squeeze lightly in the palm of your hand to secure the roll. Repeat with remaining grape leaves and filling.
- Place the dolmades in a large Dutch oven or wide deep skillet, seam-side down in a single layer. Pour the remaining cup of broth, remaining olive oil, and the lemon juice over the dolmades, the liquid should reach halfway up the rolls, add some water if necessary. Cover the pan and simmer over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, until the dolmades are tender when pierced with a fork. Serve warm, at room temperature or cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 84 calorie, Fat 6 grams, SaturatedFat 1 grams, Cholesterol 0 milligrams, Sodium 302 milligrams, Carbohydrate 8 grams, Fiber 0.5 grams, Protein 2 grams, Sugar 1 grams
GREEK STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES WITH MEAT AND RICE (DOLMADES)
A classic Greek recipe, Stuffed Grape Leaves with Meat and Rice (Dolmades) are a delicious appetizer. Ground turkey, spearmint, dill, and onion, rolled in a grape leaf and covered in a delicious Avgolemono sauce.
Provided by Vayia's Kitchen
Categories Appetizer
Time 1h15m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Thoroughly rinse and drain the grape leaves and set aside.
- Prepare a dutch oven by placing several grape leaves on the bottom to form a layer.
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients in a bowl, except for the lemon and chicken broth.
- Starting with a grape leave, place a tablespoon of mixture at the top of a leaf. Fold over, fold in sides, and roll!
- Place seam-side down in the pot. Continue in a single layer all the way around the pot, and then build a second layer, until all of the grape leaves are used up.
- Squeeze the juice of the half lemon over the dolmades.
- Pour the chicken broth over the dolmades until they're covered.
- If there is any filling left over, add to the pan.
- Cover the dolmades with a small flat plate to keep them submerged.
- Place a lid on the pot, and bring to a boil. Then lower to simmer and cook for about 50-55 minutes until the dolmades are tender and the rice and meat is cooked through.
- Make the Avgolemono Sauce by beating the two eggs until frothy. Add the lemon juice and beat some more until combined. Add juice from the pot of dolmades to egg/lemon mixture and beat until combined. Then, add the mixture to the pan. Gently shake the pan to distribute the mixture.
- Serve with a Greek Salad and crusty bread for a simple meal, or as a tasty appetizer.
DOLMADES (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES)
This is my mother-in-laws recipe, her name is Loukretia. We can get fresh grape leaves on the market, but if you can't find them, you can use jars, they're usually preserved in vinegar so just rinse them well. Fresh leaves need to be boiled 'till tender. Don't throw away the small or torn leaves, I use them to line the bottom of...
Provided by Ann Hatzimangas
Categories Vegetable Appetizers
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- 1. Saute the chopped onions in half the olive oil. Add rice, salt, pepper, parsley, dill and spearmint. Mix well. Add half a glass of water. Cook until the water is absorbed.
- 2. The vine leaf is placed with the surface that had the stem face up with the stem facing towards you. Using a teaspoon, place a heaped spoonful in the center of the leaf. Next fold the stem end of the leaf into the center, followed by each side and finish by folding it into a cylinder.
- 3. It's best to use a large saucepan with a large surface area. Line the bottom with small, broken or left-over grape leaves and starting at the center place each stuffed leaf in a row, trying not to leave too much space between them, this avoids breakage.
- 4. Add the remaining oil, 2 cups of boiling water and the lemon juice.Place a large dinner plate on top to hold the leaves down in liquid. Bring to the boil and simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the rice is soft. Serve cold with Greek yogurt.
DOLMADES (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES)
These rice-and-meat-stuffed bundles are a traditional Greek appetizer.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Yield Makes 35 pieces
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a bowl, combine onion, rice, lamb, beef, garlic, parsley, carrot, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon oil, chopped mint, salt, and pepper.
- Place a leaf, vein side up, on a work surface; place about 1 tablespoon filling just below center. Fold bottom of leaf over filling and sides in toward center; roll up. Do not overfill or roll too tightly. Repeat, making 35.
- Lay dolmades, seam side down, in a 9-by-13-inch glass baking pan; do not pack tightly.
- Combine stock and remaining 3 tablespoons oil; pour over dolmades. Squeeze lemon over dolmades, and place lemon slices and mint sprigs on top. Place another 9-by-13-inch baking pan, half full of water, on top to weigh down dolmades.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Let dolmades cool in cooking liquid, still weighted, for 2 hours. Serve drizzled with olive oil, or refrigerate for up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
GREEK DOLMADES RECIPE (STUFFED VINE/ GRAPE LEAVES DOLMATHES)
Little bites of heaven! This Greek dolmades recipe (stuffed vine/ grape leaves with rice) is the ultimate vegetarian appetizer! Dolmathes or dolmadakia are made from tender vine leaves wrapped into little rolls and stuffed with rice and fresh herbs.
Provided by Eli K. Giannopoulos
Categories Appetizer
Time 1h20m
Yield 60
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- To make this traditional Greek dolmades recipe (stuffed vine/ grape leaves), start by preparing the vine leaves. For this dolmades recipe, you can either use vine leaves sold in jars or fresh (if you are lucky enough to find them). If you use the ones in jar, rinse the vine leaves, remove the stems and leave them in a colander to drain. If using fresh vine leaves, wash them thoroughly, remove the stems and blanch them in boiling hot water. Remove the leaves with a slotted spoon and place them in a colander to cool down completely.
- Prepare the filling for the stuffed vine/ grape leaves (dolmades). Place the rice in a colander and rinse with running water. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat, add 1/3 of the olive oil and the chopped onions. Sauté the onions, until translucent (but not coloured). Add the rice and sauté for 1 more minute. Pour in 2 cups of warm water and half lemon juice and simmer for about 7 minutes, until the rice absorbs all the water and is parboiled. Season with salt and pepper, stir in the herbs, remove from the stove and set aside to cool down for a while. This will be the filling for the dolmades.
- Layer the bottom of a large pot with some vine leaves (use the ones that are little bit torn) and start rolling the dolmadakia. (This is probably the most difficult part of the traditional dolmades recipe). Place one vine leaf (shiny side down) on a flat surface and add 1 tsp of the filling at the bottom end (stem). Be careful not to overfill the dolmades, as the rice will expand during cooking. Fold the lower section of the leaf over the filling towards the center; bring the two sides in towards the center and roll them up tightly. Place the stuffed vine leaves (fold side down) on the bottom of the pot and top in snugly layers. Be careful not to leave any gaps between the dolmades to prevent them from cracking open when cooking.
- Drizzle the stuffed vine leaves (dolmathes) with the rest of the olive oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Place an inverted plate on top to hold them down when cooking and pour in enough water just to cover them. Place the lid on and simmer the dolmades for about 30-40 minutes, until the water has been absorbed and the dolmades remain only with the oil.
- Remove the pot from the heat, remove the lid and plate and let the dolmades cool for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve this delicious Greek appetizer cold or at room temperature with a squeeze of a lemon. Give this traditional dolmades recipe a try and enjoy your own fresh homemade stuffed grape leaves (dolmades)!
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 dolma, Calories 42kcal, Sugar 0.4g, Sodium 39.9mg, Fat 3.8g, SaturatedFat 0.5g, UnsaturatedFat 3.1g, TransFat 0g, Carbohydrate 2.2g, Fiber 0.4g, Protein 0.3g, Cholesterol 0mg
DOLMAS (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES)
The spices may seem like a strange combination, but this is a wonderful, delicate traditional Turkish dish with a twist. Serve chilled, as is traditional, or warm, as desired. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over dolmas before serving.
Provided by WhirledPeas
Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onions until tender. Stir in rice and hot water to cover. Cover and simmer until rice is half cooked, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in tomato paste, currants, pine nuts, cinnamon, mint leaves, dill weed, allspice and cumin. Let mixture cool.
- Prepare a large pot by placing an inverted plate on the bottom; this protects the dolmas from direct heat when steaming.
- Rinse grape leaves in warm water; drain and cut off any stems. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cooled rice mixture in the center of a leaf. Fold in the sides and then roll into a cigar shape. Place in prepared pot. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Pour in just enough warm water to reach the bottom of the first layer of dolmas. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes, or until rice is totally cooked. Check the water level often and add more as necessary.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 207.4 calories, Carbohydrate 39.1 g, Fat 3.8 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 846.7 mg, Sugar 3.9 g
DOLMATHES ( MEAT STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES)
Another Greek recipe thet I've collected. This one is from a 1980 Bon Apetit magazine that featured a Easter Feast from the Greek Islands with featured Greek chef Theonie Diakkidis Mark who was born on the island of Rhodes.Try to use the fresh dill weed for a superior flavor! These may be made ahead of time and kept refrigerated or frozen until needed.
Provided by Leslie in Texas
Categories Greek
Time 1h15m
Yield 4 1/2 dozen appetizers
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat oil in large skillet.
- Add onion and saute until transparent but don't brown.
- Add meat, stirring to break into pieces.
- Add rice,dill,pine nuts, water and tomato paste; season to taste with pepper.
- Cook over medium heat until water is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
- Cover bottom of Dutch oven with layer of the smaller grape leaves and any that get torn in the process of rolling.
- Stuff remaining leaves by placing leaf shiny side down, on the palm of hand, with base of leaf toward wrist and tip of leaf toward middle finger.
- Put a spoonful of meat mixture in the center.
- Fold base of leaf over stuffing, then fold sides of leaf over (like an envelope), tucking edges in snugly.
- Arrange tip side down in pan.
- Add broth to within 1 inch of top layer; use any leftover leaves to cover top layer.
- Place plate upside down over top layer and press.
- Cover and cook over medium heat until rice is tender, about 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with lemon juice and cook 5 minutes longer.
- Let cool to room temperature, or chill thoroughly.
- Garnish with lemon slices and serve.
- *The stuffed grape leaves can be prepared 2 to 3 days before serving and refrigerated or they may be frozen, If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add a little broth or water before gently reheating in a pan.
DOLMADES - AUTHENTIC GREEK STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES W/ MEAT (SOUTHER
A good friend of mine is from Greece and his mom told him that it would be too difficult for me to make good dolmades. I wanted to prove them wrong. I researched different recipes and combined them to come up with this very yummy, very authentic, surprise for him. If you prefer dolmadakia with tzatziki instead of plain yogurt, just add peeled and chopped cucumber and garlic, olive oil and salt - all to taste. Kali orexi!
Provided by LJ in San Francisco
Categories White Rice
Time 3h
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Unroll grape leaves and place in a pot of boiling water. Reduce heat to medium and let boil for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, pour out hot water, and cover leaves with cold water. Let soak while preparing stuffing.
- Knead the rest of the ingredientes together. Spoon filling inside a leaf and roll like a burrito, sealing completely.
- In large pot, add olive oil to cover bottom or butter. Arrange rolled dolmades on top. Do this all at once, not as you roll them. Pour chicken broth over dolmades, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.
- Serve with Greek yogurt and lemon wedges.
Tips:
- Choose the right grape leaves. Fresh grape leaves are best, but jarred or canned grape leaves can also be used. If using fresh leaves, be sure to blanch them first to soften them.
- Make sure the grape leaves are pliable. If the leaves are too stiff, they will crack when you roll them. If the leaves are too soft, they will tear. If you are using fresh leaves, blanch them for a few seconds to soften them. If you are using jarred or canned leaves, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes to soften them.
- Don't overstuff the grape leaves. The filling should be compact, but not so tightly packed that the leaves burst open. If you are using a meat filling, be sure to brown the meat before adding it to the grape leaves. This will help to prevent the meat from becoming dry and tough.
- Roll the grape leaves tightly. The tighter you roll the grape leaves, the less likely they are to fall apart. You can use a toothpick or skewer to help you roll the grape leaves.
- Cook the grape leaves until they are tender. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the grape leaves and the type of filling. Generally, grape leaves should be cooked for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve the grape leaves warm or cold. Dolmathes can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. They can be served warm or cold, with a variety of sauces. Some popular sauces include yogurt sauce, tomato sauce, and tahini sauce.
Conclusion:
Dolmathes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. With a little practice, you can easily make dolmathes at home. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting dish to try, be sure to give dolmathes a try!
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