Dolmas Recipe: A Delicious And Healthy Mediterranean Dish

Cheetahshop

August 29, 2023

Introduction

Dolmas, also known as stuffed grape leaves, are a popular dish in Mediterranean cuisine. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy as it is packed with nutrients. Dolmas are usually served as an appetizer or as a main dish. In this article, we will share with you a detailed recipe on how to make dolmas at home.

Ingredients

To make dolmas, you will need the following ingredients:

1 jar of grape leaves (you can also use fresh grape leaves if available)
1 cup of short-grain rice
1/2 cup of chopped onions
1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup of olive oil
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1 tablespoon of salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 lemon (juice)
2 cups of water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Mixture

Start by washing the short-grain rice thoroughly and soaking it in water for about 20 minutes. While the rice is soaking, chop the onions, parsley, mint, and dill, and mix them together in a bowl.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Drain the soaked rice and add it to the onion and herb mixture. Add the olive oil, tomato paste, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix everything together.

Step 3: Prepare the Grape Leaves

Remove the grape leaves from the jar and rinse them with cold water. Cut off the stems and set the leaves aside.

Step 4: Stuff the Grape Leaves

Take one grape leaf and place it on a flat surface, shiny side down. Spoon a small amount of the rice mixture onto the center of the leaf, near the stem end. Fold the stem end over the filling, then fold the sides in towards the center, and roll the leaf up tightly. Repeat the process with the remaining grape leaves and rice mixture.

Step 5: Cook the Dolmas

Arrange the stuffed grape leaves in a large pot, seam side down, and layer them tightly to prevent them from unraveling during cooking. Pour 2 cups of water and lemon juice over the dolmas, making sure they are covered. Place a heavy plate or lid on top of the dolmas to keep them in place while cooking. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the dolmas simmer for about 45 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve the Dolmas

Remove the dolmas from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Dolmas can be served warm or cold and are often accompanied by a dollop of plain yogurt, a wedge of lemon, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrition

Dolmas are a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in fiber. One serving of dolmas (4 pieces) contains approximately:

Calories: 190
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 630mg

Conclusion

Dolmas are a delicious and healthy dish that you can easily make at home with a few simple ingredients. This Mediterranean recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a vegetarian or vegan option that is flavorful and satisfying. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish, dolmas are sure to impress your guests and leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.