Dolmas (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound fresh grape leaves
• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped mint
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Rinse grape leaves thoroughly and trim off any stems.
2. Blanch grape leaves in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine rice, onion, parsley, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Place a teaspoonful of rice mixture in the center of each grape leaf.
5. Fold grape leaves tightly around the rice mixture, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
6. Place dolmas in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes, or until rice is tender.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 160 per serving
• Fat: 8 grams
• Carbohydrates: 24 grams
• Protein: 6 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Savory and tangy with a hint of mint
• Aromatic with fresh herbs and lemon juice
• Perfect as a side dish or appetizer for any occasion

User Comments:

• "These dolmas are amazing! They have the perfect balance of flavors and the grape leaves give them a unique texture."
• "I'm not a huge fan of grape leaves, but these were surprisingly delicious. The rice filling is so flavorful."
• "I made these for a party and they were a hit! Everyone raved about them."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be careful not to overcook the grape leaves, as they can become tough.
• If you can't find fresh grape leaves, you can use preserved ones. Just be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before using.
• To make dolmas ahead of time, prepare them according to the recipe and then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.