Elaine's Dolmathes Stuffed Grape Leaves

Elevate your Mediterranean dining experience with "Elaine's Dolmathes Stuffed Grape Leaves," a classic Greek-inspired recipe that's as comforting as it is flavorful. Tender grape leaves are wrapped around a savory filling of ground beef, fragrant herbs like dill and parsley, and hearty long-grain rice, creating bite-sized parcels of deliciousness. Simmered gently in a lemony olive oil and broth mixture, these homemade dolmathes are infused with vibrant, tangy flavors. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course, this dish can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled—ideal for any occasion. Garnish with a drizzle of lemon juice or a dollop of creamy yogurt for a refreshing finish. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving authentic Mediterranean cuisine, this recipe blends tradition and taste for a spectacular culinary journey.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:40 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:100 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 40 pieces (jarred or fresh) Grape leaves
• 0.5 pounds Ground beef
• 0.75 cups Long-grain rice
• 1 medium (finely chopped) Yellow onion
• 2 cloves (minced) Garlic
• 0.25 cups (finely chopped) Fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons (chopped) Fresh dill
• 0.25 cups (plus more for garnish) Lemon juice
• 0.5 cups Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth

Directions

Step 1

If using jarred grape leaves, rinse them thoroughly to remove excess brine and drain. If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, remove, and let cool.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, dill, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the stuffing.

Step 3

Place one grape leaf, vein side up, on a clean surface. Add about 1 tablespoon of the stuffing mixture near the stem end of the leaf.

Step 4

Fold the sides of the leaf inward over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the stem end to the tip, forming a small cylinder. Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and stuffing.

Step 5

In a large pot or Dutch oven, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and arrange a layer of unused or torn grape leaves on the bottom to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Arrange the stuffed grape leaves seam-side down in a tight, single layer at the bottom of the pot. If necessary, create additional layers on top as needed.

Step 7

Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the stuffed grape leaves to cover them. Drizzle the remaining olive oil and squeeze additional lemon juice over the top.

Step 8

Place a heatproof plate or small lid over the grape leaves to keep them from unraveling as they cook.

Step 9

Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cover and cook for 55-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the grape leaves are cooked through.

Step 10

Remove from heat and let the dolmathes cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled, with an extra drizzle of lemon juice or a dollop of yogurt if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1274.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1863.0

Total Fat 155.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.6g
Cholesterol 160.6mg	0%
Sodium 4259.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 73.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.5g	0%
Total Sugars 9.1g
Protein 50.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 320.3mg	0%
Iron 12.4mg	0%
Potassium 1210.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 73.8%

Protein: 10.7%

Carbs: 15.5%