Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsGreek BellyDolmadakia Recipe

Dolmadakia Recipe

Inspired by Greek Belly
Time1h 30m
Serves4

Grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs

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Ingredients

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Filling

Cooking liquid

Method

Preparation of the Filling

  1. 1

    Sauté the Onion

    In a medium skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Cook the Rice

    Add 1 cup of long-grain rice to the skillet with the onions. Stir and toast the rice for about 2 minutes until lightly golden.

  3. 3

    Add Herbs and Seasonings

    Stir in the chopped dill, mint, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine.

  4. 4

    Add Water

    Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool.

Rolling the Dolmadakia

  1. 5

    Prepare Grape Leaves

    Lay out a grape leaf, vein side up. Trim the stem if necessary.

  2. 6

    Add Filling

    Place about 1 tablespoon of the rice mixture near the base of the leaf.

  3. 7

    Roll the Leaf

    Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly, starting from the base. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

Cooking the Dolmadakia

  1. 8

    Prepare the Cooking Pot

    In a large pot, lay a few grape leaves on the bottom to prevent sticking. This is optional but recommended.

  2. 9

    Arrange the Dolmadakia

    Place the rolled dolmadakia seam side down in the pot, packing them snugly together.

  3. 10

    Add Cooking Liquid

    In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of vegetable broth or water with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pour the mixture over the dolmadakia, adding a slice of lemon on top.

  4. 11

    Cook

    Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 40-45 minutes. Check occasionally and add more liquid if necessary.

Serving

  1. 12

    Serve

    Remove dolmadakia from the pot and serve warm or at room temperature, drizzled with additional olive oil and lemon juice if desired.

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