Stuffed grape leaves with olive oil, also known as dolma or dolmades, are a delicious dish enjoyed in various cuisines across the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. These tasty rolls typically consist of grape leaves wrapped around a filling of seasoned rice and herbs, cooked to perfection in a flavorful broth of olive oil seasoned with lemon juice.
To prepare this dish, start by washing the grape leaves and soaking them if they’re dry. In a bowl, mix rice with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, parsley, mint, and olive oil. Season the mixture with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Then, place a spoonful of the rice mixture on each grape leaf, fold the sides, and roll them up tightly.
Arrange the stuffed grape leaves snugly in a pot, then pour olive oil broth seasoned with lemon juice over them. Cook them over low heat until the rice is tender and the grape leaves are soft and flavorful. Serve these stuffed grape leaves warm as appetizers or a main dish, accompanied by a spoonful of yogurt or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil for extra flavor. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish that embodies the flavors of the Mediterranean!
Ingredients:
- Grape leaves (fresh or dried)
- Rice (1 cup)
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
- Tomatoes (2 medium, finely chopped)
- Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)
- Mint (1/4 cup, chopped)
- Olive oil (1/4 cup)
- Lemon juice (Juice of one lemon)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
- If using dried grape leaves, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then drain and pat dry.
- In a large bowl, mix together washed rice, chopped onion, tomatoes, parsley, mint, and olive oil. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix well.
- Place a grape leaf on a clean surface, spoon a small amount of the rice mixture into the center, then fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up from the bottom to form a small roll.
- Arrange the stuffed grape leaves in the bottom of a pot, placing them tightly next to each other.
- Pour enough cold water over the stuffed grape leaves to cover them completely. Cover the pot and cook over low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the grape leaves are tender.
- Serve the stuffed grape leaves hot as a main dish or part of a larger meal. Enjoy with yogurt or garlic sauce for added flavor.
Bon appétit!
