Easy Dolmas
Easy homemade dolmas recipe with brown rice, fresh herbs, and grape leaves. Vegetarian appetizer ready in 50 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 jar (16 oz) grape leaves packed in brine, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- 1
Combine the cooked brown rice, white rice, minced onion, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, fresh mint, parsley, dill, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- 2
Fold the toasted pine nuts gently into the rice mixture until evenly distributed throughout.
- 3
Lay one grape leaf flat on a clean work surface with the shiny side facing down.
- 4
Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the rice filling near the bottom center of the grape leaf, leaving about 1 inch of space from the edges.
- 5
Fold the bottom edge of the leaf up and over the filling, then fold in both side edges toward the center, creating a seal.
- 6
Roll the leaf tightly away from you into a compact cylinder about 2 inches long, pressing gently to keep the filling secure.
- 7
Repeat the rolling process with remaining grape leaves and filling mixture until all ingredients are used.
- 8
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- 9
Arrange the dolmas seam-side down in the skillet in a single snug layer, packing them close together so they hold their shape.
- 10
Pour the vegetable broth and fresh lemon juice carefully around the dolmas, allowing the liquid to settle between the rolls without disturbing them.
- 11
Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.
- 12
Simmer the dolmas for 20 minutes until the grape leaves are tender and the rice is fully cooked through.
- 13
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes while covered to allow flavors to meld.
- 14
Transfer the dolmas carefully to a serving platter using a slotted spoon, arranging them seam-side down.
- 15
Drizzle lightly with additional olive oil if desired, and serve at room temperature with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| white rice | brown rice or wild rice blend | Brown rice provides more fiber and nutrients, promoting better digestive health and sustained energy levels without blood sugar spikes |
| 3 tablespoons olive oil total | 2 tablespoons olive oil total | Reducing oil lowers overall calorie and saturated fat content while still providing enough for cooking and flavor |
| pine nuts | walnuts or sunflower seeds | Walnuts and sunflower seeds are more affordable, provide omega-3 fatty acids, and have strong anti-inflammatory properties |
| vegetable broth | low-sodium vegetable broth or homemade vegetable stock | Reduces sodium intake significantly while maintaining rich flavor through natural vegetable compounds |
| fresh herbs measured at 1/4 cup each | 1/3 cup fresh herbs combined | Increasing fresh herb content boosts polyphenols and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and support gut bacteria |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 265 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 9g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
