Ingredients

8 ounces grape leaves , in brine ( ~40-45 )
1/2 cup olive oil , divided
2 cups cooked long-grain rice
4 green onions or 4 scallions , finely chopped
1 small red onion , finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup chopped of fresh mint
1/2 lb ground beef , fried
1 1/2 tablespoons Cavenders All Purpose Greek Seasoning
salt
1 lemon , juice of
Greek Dolmades are a classic Mediterranean appetizer made of stuffed grape leaves. They are often served at special occasions and celebrations, as they represent good luck and prosperity in Greek culture. This recipe by Tre adds a unique twist to the traditional dolmades recipe by including ground beef, mint, and lemon zest. The result is a flavorful and aromatic appetizer that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Serve these dolmades with tzatziki sauce for a refreshing and authentic Greek experience.

Instructions

1.Rinse grape leaves and discard any stems or damaged leaves.
2.In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, rice, green onions, red onions, lemon zest, mint, fried ground beef, Greek seasoning, and salt.
3.Heat a large pot of water to boiling and blanch the grape leaves for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4.Remove the grape leaves from the pot and submerge them in cold water until cooled.
5.Spoon 1 tablespoon of the rice mixture onto the center of each grape leaf and fold the leaf around the filling to form a neat package.
6.Place the stuffed grape leaves in a large pot seam side down in a single layer.
7.Drizzle with remaining olive oil, lemon juice, and enough water to cover the grape leaves.
8.Bring the pot to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer covered for 1 hour or until the rice is fully cooked.

PROS

These Greek Dolmades are packed with flavor and nutrition, making them a healthy and tasty appetizer option.

They are perfect for sharing with friends and family and can be made ahead of time for convenience.

CONS

The preparation takes some time and effort, as the grape leaves need to be blanched and stuffed with the rice mixture.

Also, these dolmades contain ground beef which may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Tre’s Greek Dolmades are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, thanks to the use of grape leaves, mint, and lemon.
The dish is low in carbs and high in protein, making it a good option for weight loss and muscle gain.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.