Greek Dolmades Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide

Greek dolmades are a classic Mediterranean delight that bring together the fresh flavors of grape leaves, fragrant herbs, and a zesty lemony finish. Traditionally stuffed with rice and meat, these vegetarian dolmades offer a lighter, yet equally satisfying version that’s perfect for anyone seeking a wholesome and meat-free meal.

Ideal as an appetizer or a main dish, these little parcels are packed with nutrition and vibrant flavors that transport you straight to the sun-kissed shores of Greece. Preparing dolmades from scratch might seem intimidating, but with this step-by-step recipe, you’ll master the art of rolling and cooking these delicious bites in no time.

Whether you’re hosting a Mediterranean-themed dinner or looking for a tasty vegetarian snack, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive into the world of Greek cuisine with a dish that is as beautiful as it is tasty—plus, it’s vegan-friendly if you skip the butter and use olive oil.

Let’s get rolling!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Greek dolmades are a labor of love that yield incredible rewards. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Fresh and healthy: Stuffed with rice, herbs, and pine nuts, these dolmades are light yet filling.
• Vegan-friendly option: Easily made vegan by substituting butter with olive oil.
• Impressive presentation: Perfect for parties or family dinners, these grape leaf wraps look beautiful on any platter.
• Flavorful with a citrus kick: The lemon-infused sauce adds a bright, refreshing contrast to the savory filling.
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly: Prepare in advance and store for a quick, delicious meal anytime.

Ingredients

• 1 jar (about 16 oz) grape leaves in brine, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/3 cup), plus 1 sliced lemon for layering
• 1/3 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan with lid
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Large pot or deep skillet for cooking dolmades
• Plate or heatproof lid to weigh down dolmades during cooking
• Colander or strainer (for rinsing grape leaves)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the grape leaves: Rinse the grape leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove excess brine. Drain and set aside. If the stems are thick, trim them carefully to make rolling easier.
2. Make the filling: In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add rice and nuts: Stir in the rinsed rice and pine nuts, coating them with the oil and onion mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to toast the rice lightly.
4. Add herbs and seasoning: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped dill, mint, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well for an even distribution of flavors.
5. Add lemon juice and broth: Pour in the lemon juice and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Stir to combine, cover, and let the rice soak for about 15 minutes. The rice will absorb some liquid before cooking inside the dolmades.
6. Roll the dolmades: Lay one 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 roll tightly from the stem end to the tip, forming a neat little parcel. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
7. Arrange in pot: Lay a few grape leaves or lemon slices at the bottom of a large pot to prevent sticking. Neatly pack the dolmades seam side down, close together in a single layer. If you have more, create a second layer on top.
8. Add remaining liquid and cook: Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the dolmades. Pour the remaining 1/2 cup vegetable broth over the top. Place a heatproof plate or lid on top to weigh down the dolmades and prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
9. Simmer gently: Cover the pot with a lid and simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the rice is tender and the grape leaves are soft.
10. Cool and serve: Remove the pot from heat and let the dolmades cool slightly before serving. They taste wonderful warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For perfectly tender grape leaves, soak jarred leaves in warm water for 10 minutes before use. Fresh grape leaves can be blanched in boiling water for 2 minutes.

• Make it vegan: Use olive oil instead of butter and ensure your vegetable broth is vegan.
• Add more veggies: Finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini can be added to the filling for extra texture and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the filling for a warm, aromatic flavor twist.
• Serve with dips: Pair dolmades with tzatziki, hummus, or a lemony tahini sauce.
• Freeze for later: After cooking, cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Greek dolmades are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a traditional Greek meze platter, pair them with olives, feta cheese, fresh tomatoes, and pita bread.

They also make a wonderful side dish alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

For a heartier meal, serve dolmades over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside your favorite Mediterranean grain bowl. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon elevate the flavors beautifully.

If you love Mediterranean flavors, you might enjoy these other delightful recipes:

• Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals
• Vegetarian Greek Yogurt Recipes for Healthy, Tasty Meals
• Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals

Conclusion

Making vegetarian Greek dolmades at home is a rewarding culinary experience that brings authentic Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. These delicate grape leaf wraps, filled with herbaceous rice and pine nuts, showcase the simplicity and elegance of Greek cuisine.

With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also healthy and visually stunning.

Perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a nutritious snack, dolmades offer a wonderful way to explore vegetarian cooking with a Mediterranean twist. Don’t forget to experiment with herbs and spices to make the recipe your own.

For more creative vegetarian recipes, explore our collection of Mediterranean dishes and other flavorful ideas. Happy cooking and kali orexi!

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