Meat Or Vegetable Dolmas Recipe
Grape leaves rolled and stuffed with rice, spices, and with or without beef. Served with tzeki sauce.
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Ingredients
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Dolmas Filling
Tzatziki Sauce
Method
Prepare Dolmas Filling
- 1
Cook Rice
In a medium pot, combine 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is cooked. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- 2
Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- 3
Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, ground beef (if using), chopped parsley, chopped dill, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Drizzle with lemon juice and mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Roll Dolmas
- 4
Prepare Grape Leaves
Rinse the grape leaves under cold water to remove excess brine. Lay one grape leaf flat on a clean surface with the vein side facing up.
- 5
Stuff and Roll
Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling near the stem end of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the stem end to the tip. Repeat this process for all grape leaves and filling.
Cook Dolmas
- 6
Arrange and Cook
Place the rolled dolmas seam side down in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the dolmas, and place a plate on top to keep them submerged. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 40-45 minutes until the grape leaves are tender.
Prepare Tzatziki Sauce
- 7
Serve
- 8
Plate and Enjoy
Serve the dolmas warm with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
