Classic Dolmades Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rice
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup currants
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 jar grape leaves, rinsed and drained
– 1 lemon, sliced
Steps:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside to cool.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent.
3. Add the pine nuts and currants to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, mint, parsley, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Take one grape leaf at a time and place a spoonful of the rice mixture in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly.
6. Place the dolmades in a large pot, seam side down, and layer them tightly next to each other.
7. Place a few lemon slices on top of the dolmades and add enough water to cover them.
8. Cover the pot and bring to a simmer over low heat. Cook for about 45 minutes, or until the grape leaves are tender.
9. Remove from heat and let cool before serving. Enjoy these classic dolmades with a squeeze of lemon juice on top.
Stuffed Dolmades with Lamb and Feta
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rice
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup currants
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 jar grape leaves, rinsed and drained
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1/2 lb ground lamb
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Steps:
1. Follow the same steps as the classic dolmades recipe, but add the ground lamb to the skillet with the pine nuts and currants. Cook until browned.
2. Stir in the feta cheese along with the cooked rice and herbs. Continue with the remaining steps to assemble and cook the dolmades.
3. These stuffed dolmades are a delicious twist on the traditional recipe, with the added richness of lamb and tanginess of feta cheese. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.
