Domata (Grape Leaves)

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 13
Mouthwatering Domata (Grape Leaves) Recipe
in Entree

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 hour

Ready In

1 hour 30 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice ( preferably basmati rice )
1/4 cup currants
1/4 cup pine nuts ( optional )
3/4 cup olive oil
2 cups finely-chopped yellow onions
1 teaspoon salt , plus salt to taste
1 cup finely-chopped green onion
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup peeled , seeded , chopped and drained fresh tomatoes ( optional ) or 1/2 cup peeled , seeded , chopped and drained canned tomato ( optional )
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley ( Italian )
1/4 cup chopped of fresh mint or 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
3/4 cup hot water
freshly ground pepper
36 grape leaves , preserved in brine , plus grape leaves for lining pan
2 cups boiling water
fresh lemon juice , plus lemon wedges for serving
1 lb lean ground beef

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
560
Sugar
7g
Fat
43g
Domata, also known as stuffed grape leaves, is a traditional Mediterranean dish that can be found in various countries such as Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon. The rice and currant mixture is seasoned with an aromatic blend of cinnamon, allspice, parsley, and mint/dill. The rice is then stuffed inside brined grape leaves and baked in the oven. The result is a delectable and savory appetizer or entree that can be enjoyed hot or cold. The dish is often served with fresh lemon wedges to add a tangy kick to the flavors. Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this easy-to-make and delicious dish.

Instructions

1.Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and soak in cold water for 30 minutes.
2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice, currants, pine nuts, 1/4 cup of olive oil, onions, salt, green onions, allspice, cinnamon, tomatoes (optional), parsley, mint/dill, hot water, and pepper. Mix well.
3.Drain the brine from the jar of grape leaves. Gently separate the leaves and rinse in a colander. Place the leaves in a large bowl of boiling water and blanch for 3 minutes.
4.Drain the grape leaves and rinse under cold water. Trim the stem from each leaf.
5.In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and drain any excess grease.
6.Preheat oven to 375°F.
7.Line the bottom of a large oven-safe pot with a layer of grape leaves. Take a grape leaf and place with the shiny side facing down onto a work surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the rice mixture onto the center of the leaf. Fold the stem end over the rice mixture, then fold the sides of the leaf inward, and then roll up tightly. Place the stuffed grape leaf seam-side down in the pot. Repeat the process with the remaining grape leaves and rice mixture until all are used. Drizzle the remaining olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
8.Cover the pot with a lid or foil and bake in the oven for 1 hour. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!

PROS

Domata is a delicious and flavorful dish that is savory and packed with aromatics.
The rice mixture is easy to prepare and the grape leaves absorb all the flavors while cooking.
This dish can be enjoyed on its own, as an appetizer, or as a main course with a side salad or vegetables.
Additionally, grape leaves are high in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, making them a healthy choice for any meal.

CONS

When purchasing grape leaves, check for salt content as some varieties can be high in sodium levels.
Additionally, rolling grape leaves can be time-consuming, so it’s best to plan accordingly.
Moreover, the rice mixture is high in calorie and fat content, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Grape leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. Additionally, they contain antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols that help to protect the body against oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Couscous is a healthy carbohydrate that provides energy to the body and is low in fat. The allspice used in this dish has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to boost digestion.

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