Dolmitas(Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Dolmitas are tender stuffed grape leaves filled with flavorful rice and veal, perfect for appetizer or light meal, showcasing Mediterranean herbs and bright lemon notes.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 to 3/4 cup veal or chicken stock ⓘ
- 4 oz. ground veal ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. allspice ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. mint ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh dill ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked white rice ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- freshly ground pepper to taste ⓘ
- 8 grape leaves (packed in brine, about 4 oz.) ⓘ
Instructions
- Sauté finely chopped onion slowly in a nonstick pan until soft, adding stock if necessary to prevent sticking or burning.
- Add ground veal, garlic, allspice, and mint to the pan, and cook until browned.
- Stir in cooked white rice, salt, and freshly ground pepper, and cook gently for 5 minutes.
- Add an additional 1/4 cup veal or chicken stock and mix well.
- Place grape leaves on a clean surface, and spoon a portion of the filling onto each leaf.
- Roll up the leaves tightly to enclose the filling.
- Arrange the stuffed grape leaves in a saucepan, seam side down, and add lemon juice and tomato or veal/chicken stock.
- Simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider substituting the veal with ground lamb for a richer flavor, or try adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling for brightness. If grape leaves are too salty, rinse them under cold water before using. Ensure not to overfill the leaves to prevent bursting while cooking. This dish pairs well with Mediterranean recipes like Herbed Lamb Chops for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve dolmitas warm or at room temperature, drizzled with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. They pair wonderfully with a side of tzatziki or a fresh Greek salad. For a delightful meal, consider serving alongside Garbanzo And Chorizo for a hearty combination. They also make excellent appetizers for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover dolmitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan with a little stock or water and cover, then heat over low until warmed through. Alternatively, they can be microwaved for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring they stay moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dolmitas(Stuffed Grape Leaves) contains roughly 673 calories, with 31g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (194% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), and potassium (82% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2122mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
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 use frozen grape leaves instead of brined ones?
Yes, frozen grape leaves can be used, but make sure to thaw and rinse them before use to reduce excess saltiness. This will help in achieving the best flavor for your dolmitas.
What can I substitute for rice in this recipe?
You can use quinoa or cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative. Both options provide a different texture but will still absorb the flavors of the filling beautifully.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make dolmitas vegetarian, replace the ground veal with a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, nuts, and additional spices. You can also include lentils or chickpeas for added protein and texture.
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).