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Most Popular Greek Foods: How to Make Homemade Greek Dolmades (Recipe Guide)

How to Make Dolmades – Authentic Dolmades (Recipe Guide)

Our full recipe guide on how to make Dolmades one of the most popular dishes in Greece.

Dolmades, or stuffed grape leaves, are a classic dish found in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisines. They can be made vegetarian or with meat, but here I’ll focus on the traditional vegetarian version often served as an appetizer or side dish.

Read Here best Best Greek food, Drinks in Greece and Vegetarian food in Greece

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How to Make Dolmades

Dolmades Recipe Ingredients

How to Make Dolmades – Authentic Dolmades (Recipe Guide)

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 large onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 2 lemons
Salt and pepper
2 cups vegetable broth or water

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Step By Step How to Make Dolmades

  1. Prepare the Grape Leaves

If using jarred grape leaves, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess brine. Blanch fresh grape leaves in boiling water for a few minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.

How to Make Dolmades – Authentic Dolmades (Recipe Guide)
  1. Make the Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast. Add about half of the lemon juice, dill, mint, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

  1. Stuff the Grape Leaves

Lay a grape leaf flat on a work surface, vein side up and stem towards you. Snip off the stem. Place about a teaspoon of the rice mixture near the bottom of the leaf. Fold the stem end up over the filling, then fold both sides towards the middle, and roll tightly towards the top. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

  1. Cook the Dolmades

Arrange the stuffed leaves seam side down in a large pot, packing them tightly together in layers. Pour the remaining lemon juice and enough vegetable broth or water to just cover the dolmades.

Place an inverted plate on top of the dolmades to keep them submerged. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 40-50 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.

How to Make Dolmades – Authentic Dolmades (Recipe Guide)
  1. Serve

Let the dolmades cool in the liquid, then transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle with olive oil and additional lemon juice if desired Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Tips To Make Dolmades

Ensure the rice is undercooked when prepping the filling, as it will continue to cook and absorb liquid while wrapped in the grape leaves. Wrap the dolmades tightly so they don’t unravel during cooking, but not too tight as the rice will expand.

Adjust the herbs and seasoning according to your taste. Some variations include adding pine nuts or currants to the filling for a touch of sweetness.

How Many Calories Have Dolmades

Vegetarian Dolmades:

Rice (about 1 tablespoon per dolma): Approximately 20 calories.
Grape Leaves (about 1 per dolma): Roughly 5 calories.
Olive Oil (about 1 teaspoon per dolma): Approximately 40 calories.
Onions, Herbs, Pine Nuts, Raisins (small amounts): Varies, but generally adds about 10-15 calories per dolma.
A single vegetarian is around 75 to 80 calories.

Meat-Filled Dolmades:

Ground Meat (about 1 ounce per dolma): Approximately 70 calories (for beef).
Rice (about 1 tablespoon per dolma): Approximately 20 calories.
Grape Leaves (about 1 per dolma): Roughly 5 calories.
Olive Oil (used in cooking, about 1 teaspoon per dolma): Approximately 40 calories.
Onions, Herbs, Pine Nuts, Raisins (small amounts): Adds about 10-15 calories per dolma.
A single meat-filled is around 145 to 150 calories.

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