Jul 14 2026

Dolmas Recipe

Time1h 30m
Serves4

Rice stuffed grape leaves served with tzatziki and lemon

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Dolmas Filling

Grape Leaves

Tzatziki Sauce

Garnish

Method

Dolmas Filling Preparation

  1. 1

    Cook the Rice

    In a medium saucepan, combine the short-grain rice and 1.5 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it cool.

  2. 2

    Sauté Onions

    In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Mix Filling

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onions, chopped parsley, dill, pine nuts, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.

Rolling the Dolmas

  1. 4

    Prepare Grape Leaves

    Rinse the canned grape leaves under cold water to remove excess brine. Lay one grape leaf on a flat surface, vein side up.

  2. 5

    Fill and Roll

    Place about 1 tablespoon of the rice filling at the base of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly from the base to the tip. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

Cooking the Dolmas

  1. 6

    Arrange in Pot

    In a large pot, arrange the rolled dolmas seam side down. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and add enough water or vegetable broth to cover the dolmas. Place a plate on top to keep them submerged.

  2. 7

    Simmer

    Cover the pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the grape leaves are tender.

Tzatziki Preparation

  1. 8

    Mix Tzatziki

    In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and chopped dill. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serving

  1. 9

    Plate and Garnish

    Serve the dolmas warm, drizzled with additional lemon juice and garnished with lemon wedges. Accompany with the tzatziki sauce for dipping.

More from Jake and Telly’s Greek Taverna