Dolmas Recipe Vegan: Easy and Delicious Mediterranean Dish

If you’re craving a dish that’s both delicious and steeped in tradition, vegan dolmas are a perfect choice. These tender grape leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and vegetables bring a vibrant taste of Mediterranean cuisine right to your kitchen.

Despite their elegant appearance, dolmas are surprisingly simple to make and are naturally vegan, making them ideal for plant-based eaters or anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, wholesome meal. Whether you’re preparing them as an appetizer, a light lunch, or part of a mezze platter, dolmas impress with their aromatic blend of spices and fresh ingredients.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through each step to craft the perfect vegan dolmas, ensuring that every bite bursts with flavor and warmth. Plus, you’ll find tips on variations and serving ideas to customize this classic dish to your taste.

Ready to roll? Let’s dive into making these delightful stuffed grape leaves!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan dolmas recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy traditional Mediterranean flavors without any animal products. The filling is packed with wholesome ingredients like rice, fresh herbs, and pine nuts, offering a satisfying texture and a wonderful aroma.

Plus, dolmas are naturally gluten-free and low in fat, making them a healthy choice for any meal.

Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the dolmas when you’re ready to serve.

They’re perfect for entertaining guests or meal prepping for the week. And if you love exploring global cuisine, you might want to check out other plant-based delights like Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals or this Slow Cooker Recipes Vegan Easy Meals for Busy Weeknight that bring the world’s best flavors to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 jar (about 16 oz) grape leaves, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup currants or raisins (optional for a touch of sweetness)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice and grape leaves)
• Large skillet or saucepan with lid
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Heavy plate (to weigh down dolmas while cooking)
• Large pot or deep pan for cooking dolmas

Instructions

1. Prepare the grape leaves: Carefully rinse the grape leaves under cold water to remove excess brine. Drain and set aside on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
2. Make the filling: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Add pine nuts: Stir in the pine nuts and cook for 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
4. Add rice and spices: Add the rinsed rice, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the rice with oil and spices.
5. Add liquid and simmer: Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until the rice is partially cooked but still firm.
6. Mix in herbs and currants: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the parsley, dill, mint, and currants (if using). Add the juice of one lemon and mix thoroughly. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
7. Roll the dolmas: Lay a grape leaf flat on a clean surface, vein side up. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling near the stem end. Fold the sides over the filling and then roll tightly from the stem end toward the tip, forming a neat cylinder. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
8. Arrange in pot: Line the bottom of a large pot with a few grape leaves to prevent sticking. Place the dolmas seam side down in tight rows, packing them snugly.
9. Add broth and lemon juice: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil and the juice of the remaining lemon over the dolmas. Pour 1 cup of vegetable broth gently over them to cover about halfway.
10. Cook dolmas: Place a heavy plate on top of the dolmas to keep them from unraveling. Cover the pot and simmer gently over low heat for about 40 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the leaves are tender.
11. Serve: Carefully remove the dolmas from the pot. Serve warm or at room temperature with lemon wedges and a drizzle of olive oil.

Tips & Variations

“Make sure to rinse the grape leaves well to remove excess saltiness from the brine. Also, rolling the dolmas tightly ensures they hold together during cooking.”

If you want to add more texture, try tossing in finely chopped walnuts or almonds into the filling. For a slightly tangier flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the filling before cooking.

You can also substitute rice with quinoa for a protein-rich twist.

Feeling adventurous? Try using Swiss chard leaves instead of grape leaves—check out our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals for inspiration.

For those who prefer a slow cooker method, our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker might have some creative ideas to pair with your dolmas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan dolmas are wonderfully versatile. Serve them as an appetizer alongside a fresh cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice.

They also pair beautifully with creamy vegan dips or spreads like hummus or baba ganoush.

For a more substantial meal, add a side of warm pita bread and a bowl of lentil soup or try pairing with vegan sauces such as our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to create a fusion-style spread.

They’re also great served chilled as part of a mezze platter with olives, roasted vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Conclusion

Making vegan dolmas at home is a rewarding experience that brings the essence of Mediterranean cooking into your kitchen. This recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients with aromatic herbs and spices to create a dish that’s both healthy and packed with flavor.

Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal, dolmas are sure to impress your family and friends.

By preparing this delicious vegan version, you not only enjoy a plant-based delight but also embrace a culinary tradition that spans cultures and generations. Don’t forget to experiment with herbs and accompaniments to find your perfect combination.

For more tasty and wholesome vegan recipes, be sure to explore our collection, including the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

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