Swiss Chard Dolmades

Elevate your appetizer game with these Swiss Chard Dolmades, a modern twist on a traditional Mediterranean dish that swaps grape leaves for tender, nutrient-packed Swiss chard. These flavorful rolls are filled with a fragrant mixture of long-grain rice, fresh herbs like dill and parsley, and warm spices such as cinnamon and allspice, creating a balance of earthy and zesty notes. Gently simmered in a savory olive oil and vegetable broth blend, each dolma turns irresistibly tender while staying perfectly intact. Served warm or at room temperature and garnished with fresh lemon slices, these dolmades make an elegant vegetarian appetizer or light main course. Their vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and stunning presentation make them a standout addition to any table.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 large leaves Swiss chard leaves
• 4 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium, finely diced Yellow onion
• 2 cloves, minced Garlic
• 1 cup Long-grain white rice
• 1.5 cups Vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons, finely chopped Fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons, finely chopped Fresh parsley
• 0.25 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoons Ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoons (or to taste) Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons (or to taste) Black pepper
• 1 cup Water
• 4 slices (optional, for garnish) Lemon slices

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Trim the thick stems from the Swiss chard leaves and blanch them in the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove immediately and submerge in ice water to stop cooking. Pat the leaves dry with a clean dish towel and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

Step 3

Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the rice. Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Cook for 10 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed but the rice is still slightly underdone.

Step 4

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped dill, parsley, cinnamon, allspice, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Let the filling cool slightly.

Step 5

Lay a Swiss chard leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 2 tablespoons of the rice filling near the base of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll tightly from the base to the tip to create a small bundle. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 6

In a large, shallow pot or pan, arrange the Swiss chard dolmades seam side down in a single layer. If necessary, make a second layer on top.

Step 7

Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dolmades. Pour 1 cup of water and the remaining 0.5 cup of vegetable broth into the pot. Place a heatproof plate over the dolmades to keep them from unraveling while cooking.

Step 8

Cover the pot with a lid and simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes, until the rice inside the dolmades is fully cooked and the leaves are tender.

Step 9

Remove the dolmades from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with lemon slices, if desired, before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1464.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1056.9

Total Fat 60.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4146.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 112.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.0g	0%
Total Sugars 16.2g
Protein 21.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 373.1mg	0%
Iron 13.7mg	0%
Potassium 2690.3mg	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: 50.5%

Protein: 8.1%

Carbs: 41.5%