If you want a classic Greek dish, this is the way to go! These Dolmathes are fun to make and delicious!
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time25 minutesmins
Total Time25 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Keyword: Authentic, Dolmathes, Grape Leaves
Servings: 6people
Author: Dr. Michelle Jorgensen
Ingredients
Dolmathes
60Grape Leaves, Fresh or Jarred
1poundGround Beefuncooked
1/2MediumYellow Onion, Finely Chopped
1/2CupWhite Rice such as Jasmin or Basmatiuncooked
6TbspOlive Oil
1/4CupChopped Italian Parsley
1/4 Cup Chopped Mint
4tspKosher Salt
1/2tspGround Black Pepper
2CupsLow-Sodium Chicken Broth
Avgolemono
3LargeEggs
1/4CupLemmon Juice2 medium lemons
1CupReserved Cooking Liquid from the Dolmathes
Instructions
Dolmathes
If using fresh grape leaves, prepare an ice water bath by filling a bowl halfway with ice and water and set aside. Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat, add grape leaves, and cook until leaves are tender but still hold their shape, about 5 to 10 minutes (depending upon the size of the leaves). Remove grape leaves from the water and submerge them in the ice water bath. Drain.
If using jarred grape leaves, place leaves in a strainer and discard the liquid. Carefully separate the leaves, rinse with cold water, and let drain.
Meanwhile, combine beef, onion, rice, 4 tablespoons of the olive oil, parsley, mint, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.
Lay out one grape leaf and remove the tough stem. Place about 1 tablespoon (or less, depending upon the size of the leaf) of filling in the center.
Carefully fold the top and sides of the leaf over the filling. Roll tightly into a cylinder (it should look like a miniature football) and place in a large saucepan.
Repeat with remaining leaves and filling, arranging dolmathes side by side until the bottom of the pan is completely covered. Continue layering dolmathes until they are all in the pan.
Place chicken broth in a small saucepan and bring just to a boil over medium-high heat. Pour broth over dolmathes, along with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, about 6 minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer until rice and beef are cooked through, about 20 minutes. Remove dolmathes to a serving platter.
Strain and measure remaining cooking liquid, reserving 1 cup to make the avgolemono sauce. Cover dolmathes loosely with foil to keep warm. Wipe out the pan used to cook the dolmathes and set aside.
Avgolemono
In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat eggs on high until they are light yellow and foamy, about 2 minutes. Add lemon juice in a steady stream and continue beating for 1 minute more.
Add reserved dolmathes cooking liquid in a steady stream and whip for 1 minute to incorporate.
Pour sauce into the saucepan used to cook the dolmathes. Heat, whisking constantly, over low heat until sauce is steaming (do not let it come to a boil), about 3 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
Discard any liquid that has accumulated on the platter of dolmathes. Pour sauce over warm dolmathes or serve on the side.