Dolmathes ( Meat Stuffed Grape Leaves)

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 4
Delicious Dolmathes recipe for an authentic Greek experience
in Meat

Prep

30 min

Cook

50 min

Ready In

80 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium onion , finely chopped
1 lb lean ground lamb
1/2 cup short-grain rice
1/2 cup fresh dill , chopped or 1 tablespoon dried dill
1/3 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
fresh ground pepper , to taste
1 jar grape leaves , in brine , well rinsed and drained , stems cut off
3/4 cup rich chicken broth
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 lemon , thinly sliced ( garnish )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8-10
Calories
252
Sugar
1g
Fat
17g
Dolmathes are a classic Greek dish that has been enjoyed for centuries throughout the Mediterranean region. This dish consists of grape leaves that are stuffed with a delicious and savory mixture of ground lamb, rice, pine nuts, and fresh herbs. The grape leaves are then baked in rich chicken broth and lemon juice until the meat is cooked and the leaves are tender. Dolmathes can be served hot or cold and are a perfect appetizer or main course for any occasion. This dish is gluten-free and can be easily made ahead of time.

Instructions

1.In a large pan, heat olive oil on medium heat and sauté onions until softened.
2.Add ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking up any clumps with a spatula as it cooks.
3.Stir in rice, dill, pine nuts, water, tomato paste, and pepper, and mix well.
4.Remove from heat and cool before assembling.
5.Preheat oven to 350°F.
6.In a large pot of boiling water, blanch grape leaves for 4-6 minutes until softened, then drain and rinse under cold water.
7.Take a grape leaf and place it vein-side up on a flat surface. Spoon in a tablespoon of meat filling at the bottom end of the leaf.
8.Roll the leaf up, tucking in the sides as you roll, to create a cigar-like shape.
9.Repeat with remaining grape leaves and filling.
10.Arrange the stuffed grape leaves seam-side down in a single layer in a baking dish.
11.Pour chicken broth and lemon juice over the grape leaves and place lemon slices on top.
12.Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the leaves are tender.
13.Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy hot or cold.

PROS

Dolmathes are a savory and satisfying appetizer or main dish that is perfect for any occasion.

The meaty filling is complemented by the tangy lemon and herb flavors in the dish.

Grape leaves provide a nutritious and unique wrapping for the filling.

CONS

The rolling of the grape leaves can be a bit tedious and time-consuming.

Some people may find the taste of the leaves to be too strong.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Dolmathes are a good source of protein from the lamb filling and fiber from the rice and grape leaves.
The herbs and lemon provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to the dish.

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