Lemon-Infused Turkish Grape Leaf Dolmas
Experience the rich flavors of authentic Turkish cuisine with these Lemon-Infused Turkish Grape Leaf Dolmas. Known as 'Dolma', these delightful rolls are created by stuffing tender grape leaves with a savory blend of rice, fresh herbs, and a medley of warm spices. The unique touch of lemon salt adds an aromatic zest, elevating the flavor profile beyond the traditional recipes. If you can't find lemon salt, a substitute of kosher salt and fresh lemon juice will work as well, ensuring the unmistakable balance of flavors remains intact. This dolma recipe is perfect for gatherings, serving as a delicious appetizer or a hearty main dish. Each bite is a celebration of wholesome ingredients, perfect for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine. Join me on this culinary journey to create a plate of delectable dolmas that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also warms the heart.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pickled grape leaves
1 lb (Pickled in brine, washed, and drained)
Medium onions
4 (Diced)
Rice
2 cups (Washed under cold water and drained)
Flat leaf parsley
1 cup (Chopped finely)
Olive oil
1/2 cup (For sautéing and drizzling)
Pine nuts
1/3 cup (Raw or toasted)
Dried currants
1/4 cup (No preparation needed)
Dried mint flakes
1 tablespoon (No preparation needed)
Allspice
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (Ground)
Ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Granulated sugar
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Lemon salt
2 tablespoons (No preparation needed)
Lemon
1/2 (Juice of)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely dicing the medium onions. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the diced onions to the skillet and sauté until they turn translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the pine nuts and continue sautéing for an additional 5 minutes until they become golden brown.
4
Incorporate the washed rice into the skillet, stirring constantly for 5-10 minutes, or until the rice becomes slightly translucent.
5
Season your rice mixture by adding the dried mint flakes, ground cinnamon, lemon salt, black pepper, dried currants, granulated sugar, and allspice. Then, fold in the finely chopped parsley and give it a quick stir to combine.
6
Pour in 1/2 cup of boiling water, mix well, and cover the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer on low-medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
7
Once done, remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely before rolling.
8
Now it's time to roll your dolmas! Place a clean grape leaf on a flat surface, shiny side down. Add a tablespoon of the cooled rice mixture to the center of the leaf's top part. Fold the sides inward and roll from the stem end to the tip, securing the filling tightly.
9
If you’re using ‘The Ultimate Dolma Machine,’ place the grape leaf and filling inside and slide it through to have perfectly shaped dolmas effortlessly, which can speed up the rolling process.
10
To cook the dolmas, lay a layer of leftover grape leaves on the bottom of a large heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning.
11
Arrange the dolmas snugly in the pot, side by side, ensuring they are tightly packed.
12
In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil, juice of half a lemon, and 2 cups of boiling water. Pour this mixture over the dolmas.
13
Cover the dolmas with an upside-down plate to keep them submerged while cooking. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
14
Carefully transfer the dolmas to a serving dish and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and vibrant Turkish Grape Leaves!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lemon-Infused Turkish Grape Leaf Dolmas?
They are a traditional Turkish dish known as 'Dolma,' consisting of tender grape leaves stuffed with a savory blend of rice, fresh herbs, and warm spices.
What does the term 'Dolma' mean?
'Dolma' is the Turkish word used to describe these delightful stuffed rolls, typically referring to stuffed vegetables or leaves.
What is the unique ingredient in this dolma recipe?
This recipe uses lemon salt to add a unique aromatic zest that elevates the flavor profile beyond traditional versions.
What can I use as a substitute for lemon salt?
If you cannot find lemon salt, you can use a combination of kosher salt and fresh lemon juice to achieve a similar balance of flavors.
Are these grape leaf dolmas vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, featuring a filling made of rice, herbs, and spices without meat.
How should I prepare the grape leaves before stuffing?
Use pickled grape leaves that have been washed and drained to remove excess brine.
What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of rice that should be washed under cold water and drained before cooking.
How do I prepare the onions for the filling?
You should finely dice four medium onions and sauté them in olive oil until they are translucent.
When should I add the pine nuts to the mixture?
Add the pine nuts after the onions are translucent and sauté them for an additional 5 minutes until they become golden brown.
How long should the rice be sautéed?
The rice should be stirred constantly in the skillet for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent.
What spices are used in the rice mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with dried mint flakes, ground cinnamon, black pepper, allspice, and a bit of granulated sugar.
What role do dried currants play in the recipe?
Dried currants add a subtle sweetness and texture to the savory rice and herb filling.
How much water is needed to partially cook the filling?
Pour 1/2 cup of boiling water into the rice mixture and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Do I need to cool the filling before rolling the dolmas?
Yes, it is important to let the rice mixture cool completely before you begin the rolling process.
Which side of the grape leaf should face down when rolling?
Place the grape leaf on a flat surface with the shiny side facing down.
How much filling goes into each grape leaf?
Place approximately one tablespoon of the cooled rice mixture in the center of the top part of the leaf.
What is the technique for rolling a dolma?
Fold the sides of the leaf inward and roll tightly from the stem end towards the tip.
Can I use a tool to help with the rolling?
Yes, you can use 'The Ultimate Dolma Machine' to slide the leaf and filling through for perfectly shaped dolmas effortlessly.
How do I prevent the dolmas from burning in the pot?
Lay a layer of leftover grape leaves on the bottom of a large heavy-bottomed pot before arranging the dolmas.
How should the dolmas be arranged in the cooking pot?
Arrange them snugly side by side, ensuring they are tightly packed to maintain their shape.
What liquid is used for the final cooking process?
A mixture of 1/4 cup olive oil, the juice of half a lemon, and 2 cups of boiling water is poured over the arranged dolmas.
Why is a plate used during the cooking process?
An upside-down plate is placed over the dolmas to keep them submerged in the liquid while they simmer.
How long do the dolmas need to simmer?
They should simmer on medium-low heat for 45 to 60 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.
Can these be served as a main dish?
Yes, while often served as an appetizer, they are substantial enough to be served as a hearty main dish.
What is the best way to serve Turkish Grape Leaf Dolmas?
Transfer them to a serving dish and allow them to cool slightly before serving; they are often enjoyed at room temperature.
What type of parsley is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is categorized as healthy and Mediterranean, utilizing wholesome ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and rice.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total, including the leaves, rice, vegetables, and various seasonings.
What provides the warm notes in the flavor profile?
The combination of ground cinnamon and allspice provides the signature warm spice notes found in authentic Turkish dolmas.
What is the total cooking time for the dolmas in the pot?
The final simmer takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes after the pot reaches a boil.