If you're looking for a delicious and healthy Mediterranean dish, you should try these Greek stuffed grape leaves with tzatziki sauce. This traditional Greek dish is known as "Dolmades" and is made with tender grape leaves that are stuffed with rice, herbs, and spices. It's a perfect appetizer or main dish that will impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 jar of grape leaves (about 50 leaves)
- 1 cup of short-grain white rice
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup of pine nuts
- 1/2 cup of hot water
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- First, rinse the grape leaves under cold water and remove the stems.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent.
- Add the rice, parsley, dill, mint, pine nuts, hot water, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Take a grape leaf and place it on a flat surface, shiny side down. Add about 1 tablespoon of the rice mixture to the center of the leaf.
- Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Place the stuffed grape leaves in a large pot, seam side down, and add enough water to cover them.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the grape leaves are tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and allow the grape leaves to cool slightly. Serve with tzatziki sauce.
This image showcases the final dish, neatly plated on a white dish. The grape leaves are evenly rolled and stuffed, with the filling visible through the translucent leaves. The tzatziki sauce is served on the side in a small bowl, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm grape leaves.
This image highlights the individual grape leaves, showing the texture and color of the filling. The wooden cutting board adds a rustic touch to the image, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
This image focuses on the tzatziki sauce, highlighting the fresh ingredients used to create it. The white bowl provides a clean and simple background, allowing the vibrant greens of the cucumber and dill to stand out.