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Dolmades

Flavor-Packed Dolmades: Your Ultimate Greek Comfort Food

Delicious dolmades, a savory blend of beef and rice wrapped in grape leaves, are a delightful Greek comfort food.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 pieces
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef 90% lean for a nice balance
  • 1 cup Jasmine Rice or short-grain rice for stickier texture
  • 1 small White Onion, diced shallots can be used for a milder flavor
  • 2 large cloves Garlic, minced or garlic powder if fresh is unavailable
  • 2.5 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • Grape Leaves use blanched cabbage leaves if unavailable
For Cooking
  • 1/2 cup Water for hydrating the rice
  • 2 Tbsp Canola Oil or olive oil for Mediterranean flavor
  • 2 units Lemons, divided juice of one for filling, other for drizzling
  • 3/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Mint, Dill, Italian Parsley, Oregano)
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, melted optional for a lighter version

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Large pot
  • clean kitchen towel

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, jasmine rice, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and juice of one lemon. Mix until incorporated.
  2. Rinse grape leaves under cold water, pat dry, and lay flat with stem ends facing you. Blanch if leaves are tough.
  3. Take one grape leaf and place 1-2 tablespoons of filling at the base. Fold sides over filling and roll tightly. Repeat with remaining leaves.
  4. Arrange dolmades seam-side down in a large pot. Drizzle with melted butter, add chicken broth and juice of remaining lemon. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
  5. Allow dolmades to cool slightly before serving warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Pair with tzatziki or lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 2piecesCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Dolmades are versatile and can be served warm or cold. They freeze well and can be reheated easily.

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