Flavourful Dolmas

May 27, 2023May 27, 20230 16
Flavourful Dolmas recipe perfect for a Mediterranean meal
in Main

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 hr

Ready In

1 hr 30 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 onions , chopped finely
1/2 cup celery , chopped finely
2 tablespoons butter ( I use sweet butter for all recipes and add sea salt to taste )
1 lb ground beef ( I use extra lean and add some oil in it so it wo n't be dry )
1/2 cup white basmati rice
1 tablespoon dried mint ( substitute , 2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped )
1/4 cup parsley , chopped finely
3 tablespoons pine nuts ( optional , I have yet to try with them )
sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 jar grape leaves
1 dash good olive oil
3 cups chicken broth ( I use homemade )
1 lemon , juice of
1 cup balkan yogurt ( thick consistency , otherwise known as Greek yogurt )
1 tablespoon lemon juice , freshly squeezed ( or to taste , amount is a guess )
sea salt , to taste

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
462
Sugar
2g
Fat
14g
Dolmas, or stuffed grape leaves, are a popular Mediterranean dish that have been enjoyed for generations. This recipe puts a twist on the classic dolma by using a beef and rice filling flavoured with mint and parsley. Rolled tightly in grape leaves, these dolmas are simmered in a broth until the rice is cooked through and the flavours meld together. Served with a tangy yogurt dip, this dish is perfect for a special occasion or a casual dinner with friends.

Instructions

1.In a pan, sauté the chopped onions and celery in butter until translucent.
2.Add in the ground beef and cook until browned.
3.Mix in the white basmati rice, dried mint, chopped parsley, pine nuts (if desired), salt, and black pepper.
4.Rinse and drain the grape leaves, and remove any stems or tears.
5.To assemble the dolmas, place a grape leaf vein-side up, and spoon 1 tablespoon of the beef and rice mixture onto the leaf.
6.Roll the leaf tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you roll to seal the dolma.
7.Place the dolmas seam-side down in a large pot, and repeat until all mixture is used.
8.Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice over the dolmas, and drizzle olive oil on top.
9.Place a plate on top of the dolmas to keep them from unravelling, and simmer on low heat for 1 hour or until the rice is cooked through.
10.Serve with a dollop of Balkan yogurt mixed with fresh lemon juice and sea salt to taste.

PROS

These dolmas are packed with flavour, and the mix of herbs and spices creates a truly authentic Mediterranean taste.
They are also nutritious, containing a good amount of protein, rice, and vegetables.

CONS

This recipe requires some preparation time to roll the dolmas, but the end result is well worth it.
Some people may also find the grape leaves to be an acquired taste.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Grape leaves are low in calories and high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. When combined with a lean protein like ground beef, this dish can provide essential nutrients while also being satisfying. Additionally, the herbs used in the recipe- mint and parsley- are known for their anti-inflammatory and digestion-boosting properties.

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