Dolmadakia (Vine leaves filled with Rice and herbs)

Dolmadakia (Vine leaves filled with Rice and herbs)

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Dolmadakia. They derive from the middle east, but have been mastered by the Greeks..A traditional Greek signature dish which you will absolutely love!

Ingredients

  • 300g arborio rice
  • 1 large tomato grated
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped spearmint
  • ¼ parsley, chopped finely
  • 6 spring onions, finely chopped
  • 1 onion cut finely
  • 1 grated carrot
  • 1 grated zucchini
  • 1 grated artichoke
  • 1 tablespoon salt & pepper 
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1 jar of ready vine leaves (keep leaves that are left over in the fridge. You could also use fresh vine leaves, but make sure that you scald them in boiling water with a drizzle of salt until they start changing colour, then set them aside and prepare your mixture!)

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together and half of the olive oil (except vine leaves) and set aside.
  2. Remove vine leaves carefully from the jar and unfold them onto your bench facing upside down so you can see the veins of the leaf.
  3. Prepare a wide pot with one layer of vine leaves on the bottom and start folding your dolmadakia.
  4. Add one teaspoon of filling to each dolmadaki and fold as shown in the first picture. Place as shown in the second picture, creating circular layers. On top of each layer, sprinkle some salt. (if your vine leaves are in a salted solution, do not add extra salt) Make sure you do NOT fold too tightly as to allow the rice to cook well, otherwise they will break apart.
  5. When you have used all your mixture and folded your dolmadakia, add half a cup of olive oil and add water to just cover your dolmadakia. Place a plate on top of them as in the picture, put it on your stove and bring to boil. Once they have reached the boiling point, lower your heat and cook/simmer for half an hour. 
  6. When they are done, turn off the heat and leave them to completely cool inside the pot. 
  7. Once cooled, serve with lemon slices and a good squeeze of lemon. Another serving suggestion is with Greek yogurt! You will absolutely love these!

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