Vegan Dolmades

Vegan Dolmades are a delightful twist on the traditional Greek dish, featuring vine leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and spices. These flavorful rolls are a perfect main dish, served warm or cold with a side of lemon for added zest.

Ingredients

• Grape leaves - 12-15 leaves, jarred or fresh
• Long-grain rice - 100 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley - 30 grams, chopped
• Fresh dill - 15 grams, chopped
• Lemon juice - 30 ml
• Olive oil - 30 ml
• Vegetable broth - 250 ml
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1/2 teaspoon

Steps

1. In a saucepan, heat 15 ml of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the rice, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Remove the rice mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the chopped parsley, dill, and lemon juice.
5. If using jarred grape leaves, rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt. If using fresh leaves, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften.
6. Lay a grape leaf flat on a clean surface, stem side facing you. Place about 1 tablespoon of the rice filling near the stem, fold the sides over the filling, and roll it up tightly, starting from the stem end.
7. Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling.
8. In a large pot, arrange the dolmades seam side down in a single layer. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and add a splash of water to the pot.
9. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the dolmades are heated through.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from fresh herbs and olive oil.
• High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.

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