Dolmas(Serves 12 To 15; Approximately 50 Dolmas)
Delicious Mediterranean dolmas featuring tender grape leaves stuffed with a fragrant rice and pine nut filling, perfect for appetizer platters or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pine nuts ⓘ
- 1 cup long grain white rice ⓘ
- 1 cup 3 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion ⓘ
- 3 green onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh mint ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz brine packed grape leaves ⓘ
- 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 cup heated vegetable stock ⓘ
- fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Toast the pine nuts in a heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, approximately 5 minutes until golden.
- Allow the pine nuts to cool.
- Prepare the rice and vegetable mixture with finely chopped onions, herbs, spices, and olive oil.
- Stuff the grape leaves with the rice mixture, ensuring they are tightly rolled.
- Arrange the stuffed grape leaves in a pot, add lemon juice and heated vegetable stock.
- Simmer gently until the rice is cooked and the flavors meld.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using toasted walnuts instead of pine nuts. You can also substitute brown rice for a nuttier taste, but adjust the cooking time. If you can't find grape leaves, collard greens can be a great alternative. Make sure to not overfill the leaves to prevent them from bursting during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve dolmas warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh parsley. They pair beautifully with tzatziki or yogurt for added creaminess. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Mediterranean recipes like Marinated Collard Greens or Fresh Vegetable Nicoise for a vibrant, healthy spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dolmas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in a pot with a little vegetable stock and simmer gently on low heat until warmed through. This will help retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dolmas(Serves 12 To 15; Approximately 50 Dolmas) contains roughly 438 calories, with 17g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (119% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 20g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make dolmas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare dolmas a day ahead. After cooking, let them cool, then store in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated, making them a convenient option for gatherings.
What type of grape leaves should I use?
Use brine-packed grape leaves for the best flavor and texture. They are typically found in jars or cans at Mediterranean or specialty grocery stores. Rinse them well before using to reduce the saltiness.
Are dolmas gluten-free?
Yes, this dolmas recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses rice and no wheat products. Always double-check your stock and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free if you have allergies.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).