Mum's Dolmathes Stuffed Grape Leaves

Discover the comforting flavors of "Mum's Dolmathes Stuffed Grape Leaves," a cherished family recipe that's as nostalgic as it is delicious. Tender grape leaves are lovingly filled with a fragrant mixture of ground lamb or beef, uncooked rice, fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and mint, and robust seasonings. These delicately rolled bundles are gently simmered in a tangy lemon-infused broth until perfectly tender, capturing the essence of traditional Greek cuisine. The slow-cooking process ensures the filling is perfectly cooked and infused with the citrusy, herbaceous flavors. Serve these stuffed grape leaves warm or at room temperature, drizzled with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for a stunning appetizer or main dish. Ideal for special occasions or as a comforting meal, this recipe is a celebration of homemade Mediterranean goodness.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 50 leaves Jarred grape leaves
• 500 grams Ground lamb or beef
• 150 grams Uncooked white rice
• 1 whole Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Fresh mint, chopped
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 60 milliliters Lemon juice
• 500 milliliters Water or chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the jarred grape leaves under cold water to remove excess brine. Place them in a bowl of warm water and set aside to soak for 15 minutes.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb (or beef), uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, dill, mint, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the filling.

Step 3

Gently pat the grape leaves dry with paper towels. Lay one grape leaf on a flat surface, vein-side facing up. Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling near the stem end of the leaf.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Line the bottom of a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a few unused grape leaves to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed grape leaves seam-side down in a single layer. If necessary, create additional layers, alternating directions for stability.

Step 6

Pour the lemon juice and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the stuffed grape leaves. Add enough water or chicken stock to the pot to barely cover the grape leaves. Place a heatproof plate on top to weigh them down and prevent them from unrolling during cooking.

Step 7

Bring the pot to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 50–60 minutes, or until the rice and meat are fully cooked.

Step 8

Remove the pot from heat and allow the dolmathes to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1645.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2422.4

Total Fat 144.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 46.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 400mg	0%
Sodium 5730.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 173.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.0g	0%
Total Sugars 7.8g
Protein 105.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 166.5mg	0%
Iron 10.4mg	0%
Potassium 1788.2mg	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: 53.8%

Protein: 17.4%

Carbs: 28.8%