Authentic Mediterranean Dolma Recipe | Orbi Fresh

Ingrediënten

• grape leaves
• long-grain rice
• yellow onions
• fresh dill
• fresh mint
• flat-leaf parsley
• extra virgin olive oil
• lemon juice
• pine nuts
• ground allspice
• salt
• black pepper
• hot water

Bereidingswijze

1. Rinse the preserved grape leaves thoroughly in warm water to remove excess brine and carefully unfold them in a colander to drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rinsed rice, chopped onions, fresh dill, mint, parsley, half of the olive oil, pine nuts, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the filling.
3. Place a grape leaf flat on a clean surface, vein-side up, with the stem end facing toward you. Cut off any remaining hard stem.
4. Place about 1 teaspoon of the rice filling near the base of the leaf. Fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling, fold in the left and right sides, and roll it up snugly into a small cylinder.
5. Repeat the rolling process with the remaining leaves and filling, ensuring they are packed tightly enough so they do not unroll during cooking.
6. Line the bottom of a wide, heavy-bottomed pot with a few torn or imperfect grape leaves to prevent sticking.
7. Arrange the rolled dolmas tightly in the pot in concentric circles, layering them if necessary.
8. Pour the remaining olive oil and lemon juice evenly over the dolmas, then place a heavy, heat-proof plate upside down directly on top of them to keep them submerged.
9. Pour the hot water into the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 45 to 50 minutes until the rice is tender.
10. Remove from heat and let them cool completely in the pot before serving at room temperature, garnished with lemon wedges.