Dolmades

Dolmades
  • Author: Antony Worrall Thompson

Wrapped in tender vine leaves, these lamb-stuffed delicacies are bursting with Mediterranean flavors. The filling, a harmonious blend of seasoned rice and fragrant minced lamb, is carefully encased in the vine leaves, creating little parcels of culinary delight. Delicate hints of oregano, garlic, and lemon infuse each bite, transporting your taste buds to sun-drenched shores. Perfectly baked in the oven, these stuffed vine leaves make for a delightful and flavorsome dish that is sure to impress.

— Constant Cookbook

Ingredients

  • 120g/4¼oz long-grain rice
  • 250g/8¾oz minced lamb
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 small onion
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped parsley
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped celery
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
  • 250g/8¾oz preserved, drained vine leaves
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 2 garlic
  • 1 lemon

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.
  • First, make the filling. In a bowl, combine the rice, meat, onion, herbs, celery, salt and pepper. Fold in the tomato purée.
  • Place one vine leaf on a plate, vein side up. Take a heaped teaspoon of the filling and place in the centre of the leaf near the stem edge. Fold the stem end up over the filling then fold both sides towards the middle and roll up like a small cigar. Don't roll too tightly as the rice will expand.
  • Line the bottom of a large ovenproof dish with a layer of tomato slices or left over vine leaves. This will prevent the stuffed leaves from sticking to the bottom and burning.
  • Pack the stuffed leaves in layers on top, pushing small pieces of garlic between them. Sprinkle with lemon juice and add around 150ml/5¼fl oz cold water. Cover with oiled foil.
  • Place the leaves in the oven for 45 minutes, adding extra water if necessary. Serve.

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Cook Time

1H

Prep Time

PT1H

Yield

Serves 2