How to Make the Perfect Greek Dolmades Rice Stuffed Grape Leaves
Greek · Easy · 60 min · 6 servings
These adorable little Greek dolmades are stuffed grape leaves filled with herby rice that kids find fascinating and fun to eat with their fingers. This kid friendly recipe is a wonderful way to introduce children to Greek culture through food and kids love unwrapping the little parcels to reveal the tasty filling inside.
Why this recipe works
This Greek Dolmades Rice Stuffed Grape Leaves recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 60 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 190 calories with 4g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 jar grape leaves rinsed and drained
- 1.5 cups long grain white rice
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 3 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Filling
Mix uncooked rice with pine nuts, chopped dill, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Kids can help measure and mix the filling ingredients together as part of the cooking fun.
Step 2: Roll the Dolmades
Place a grape leaf shiny side down on a flat surface and add a tablespoon of rice filling near the stem end. Fold in the sides then roll firmly from bottom to top like a small burrito.
Step 3: Arrange and Cook
Line a pot with a few extra grape leaves then pack the rolled dolmades tightly in layers seam side down. Pour broth and lemon juice over the top until just covered and place a heavy plate on top.
Step 4: Steam Until Tender
Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 35 to 40 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the grape leaves are tender. Serve warm with tzatziki dip which kids especially enjoy.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pine nuts → currants or raisins for a slightly sweet filling variation
- fresh dill → fresh mint which works beautifully in this traditional recipe
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Rolling the dolmades too loosely which causes them to fall apart during cooking
- Not packing them tightly enough in the pot which causes them to unravel while steaming
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 190 calories, 4g protein, 28g carbs, 7g fat, 3g fiber.
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