Savory Stuffed Grape Leaves with Fresh Herbs
Indulge in the rich flavors of this classic Mediterranean dish with our Savory Stuffed Grape Leaves recipe. Perfect for gatherings or as a delightful one-dish meal, these dolmathes are filled with a fragrant mixture of rice, finely chopped onions, and vibrant herbs such as dill and mint. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice, these stuffed grape leaves are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. Serve them chilled as an appetizer or at room temperature as a side dish. Gather your loved ones and share the joy of making and enjoying this traditional recipe.
4
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Grape Leaves
1/2 lb (drained)
Onion
1 lb (finely chopped)
Rice
1 cup (rinsed)
Olive Oil
1 cup (divided)
Fresh Dill
1 bunch (finely chopped)
Fresh Mint
1 bunch (finely chopped)
Lemon
1 (juiced)
Instructions
1
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Briefly dip the grape leaves in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. Drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process, then gently pat them dry.
2
In a large pan, heat half of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the rinsed rice, followed by 250 mL of hot water, dill, mint, and lemon juice (reserve the rest of the olive oil for later). Mix well and allow it to boil for about 4-5 minutes, then remove from heat.
4
To assemble the dolmathes, take one grape leaf and place one tablespoon of the rice mixture in the center. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly from the bottom to the top. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used.
5
Carefully arrange the wrapped dolmathes in a single layer in a large pot, ensuring there is some space between each one to prevent them from sticking.
6
Cover the dolmathes with an appropriate-sized plate to keep them submerged during cooking. Pour the remaining olive oil and squeeze in the lemon juice, then add 500 mL of water to the pot.
7
Bring the pot to a gentle boil over low heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water has been mostly absorbed.
8
Once done, allow them to cool, then serve the dolmathes chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional lemon slices.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Stuffed Grape Leaves?
Savory Stuffed Grape Leaves, also known as dolmathes, are a traditional Mediterranean dish featuring grape leaves filled with a fragrant mixture of rice, onions, and fresh herbs.
Are these stuffed grape leaves vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and focuses on a filling of rice, herbs, and onions.
What are the primary herbs used in the filling?
The filling is flavored with a vibrant combination of fresh dill and fresh mint.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of dolmathes?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content for this dish?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 37.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is provided per serving?
This dish provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
What type of grape leaves should be used?
You can use 1/2 lb of grape leaves that have been drained and prepared for stuffing.
Why do I need to blanch the grape leaves?
Briefly dipping them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes makes them more pliable and easier to roll.
How much onion is required for the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of finely chopped onions to create a rich base for the filling.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of olive oil, divided for different stages of cooking.
Do I need to rinse the rice?
Yes, the rice should be rinsed before being added to the onion mixture.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until they are translucent.
How much water is added to the rice filling mixture initially?
You should add 250 mL of hot water to the rice and herb mixture before rolling.
How much filling goes into each grape leaf?
Place about one tablespoon of the rice mixture in the center of each leaf.
What is the technique for rolling the dolmathes?
Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll tightly from the bottom to the top.
How should the dolmathes be placed in the pot?
Arrange them in a single layer with a little space between each to prevent sticking.
Why is a plate used during the cooking process?
An appropriate-sized plate is placed over the dolmathes to keep them submerged and prevent them from unrolling while simmering.
How much water is added to the pot for the final simmer?
Add 500 mL of water to the pot along with the remaining olive oil and lemon juice.
How long do the stuffed grape leaves need to simmer?
They should simmer over low heat for approximately 30 minutes.
How do I know when the dolmathes are finished cooking?
They are done when the rice is fully cooked and most of the water has been absorbed.
Should these be served hot or cold?
They can be served either chilled as an appetizer or at room temperature as a side dish.
What is a good garnish for this dish?
Garnish the finished dolmathes with fresh lemon slices for extra flavor and presentation.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to its use of fresh herbs, olive oil, and vegetables.
What category of meal does this dish fall under?
It is categorized as a 'One Dish Meal'.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 juiced lemon for the freshest flavor profile.
What should I do after the dolmathes finish simmering?
Allow them to cool before serving to ensure the best texture.
Are there any specific tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include mediterranean, vegetarian, herb-filled, and healthy.
Is the serving size specified?
The specific serving size is not provided, but the recipe makes a total of 4 servings.