This expert tutorial is all you need to make the best stuffed grape leaves or dolmas! These flavor-packed grape leaves are stuffed with a tantalizing mixture of rice; meat; and loads of fresh herbs and warm spices, then cooked in a bright lemony broth. I learned how to make stuffed grape leaves in my mother's Mediterranean kitchen many years ago, and I'm sharing all her expert tips and tricks with step-by-step photos to show you. Vegetarian option included.
Stuffed grape leaves, also known as dolmas or dolmades, are arguably the most iconic Mediterranean food out there.
Homemade dolmas are one of my personal favorites, they will always remind me of my mother's Mediterranean kitchen. I first learned to make them as a young teen in my mother's Egyptian kitchen. It's the sort of food that's more fun to make in groups. So, the ladies of the family would gather around our small kitchen table, stuffing and rolling grape leaves, while catching up on life. Great memories!
If you've tried dolams at your local Greek or Mediterranean restaurant, you're in for a treat! I'm about to show you step-by-step how to make the BEST stuffed grape leaves in your own kitchen for a fraction of the price. And you might want to grab a few friends to help you with this fun activity.
What are Dolmas: Stuffed Grape Leaves?
The word Dolma, from the Turkish verb Dolmak, basically means "to be filled," referring to all sorts of stuffed foods from grape leaves to stuffed tomatoes, zucchini, or even bell peppers.
Now, you'll find many variations of stuffed grape leaves recipes, from Turkey and Greece to Lebanon, and Egypt where it's called Warak Enab (Grape Vine Paper.) Some recipes containing meat, others vegetarian. Some containing tomato sauce, others cooked in a lemony broth. I have yet to meet a stuffed grape leave, dolma, or Greek dolmades that I didn't love, but this recipe is my absolute favorite.
What's in stuffed grape leaves? In this recipe, grape leaves are stuffed with a tasty meat and rice mixture, seasoned with warm spices (allspice and cumin) and loaded with fresh herbs in the form of parsley, dill and mint. Then, once stuffed, the grape leaves are cooked in a tasty lemony broth.
I love to serve these dolmades with a side of Greek tztatziki sauce and Greek salad or tabouli for a light meal. But I have lots more ideas for you below, so keep reading on!
How to Make Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)
Step 1: Prepare the Grape Leaves
We're using jarred grape leaves in brine, no cooking needed. But before using in this recipe, remove them from the jar and rinse well. Let them drain in a colander while you prepare the stuffing.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
The stuffing here is made of rice, cooked ground beef, and a few chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, and mint).
First, rinse the rice and soak in water for 20 minutes (this is an important step, read on for more tips.) Then drain well. And while the rice is soaking cook the meat. Sautee finely chopped onions, add the meat and cook until fully browned. Be sure to drain any excess fat, then season the meat with kosher salt and pepper, allspice and cumin (so tasty!) Let cool.
Combine the meat, rice, and fresh herbs. Add a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (I used Private Reserve Greek EVOO) and toss to combine. Add pinch of kosher salt.
Step 3: Stuff and Roll Grape Leaves
I like to start by preparing my cooking pot so that I can arrange the grape leaves as I stuff them.
Lightly oil the pot with some extra virgin olive oil, then add a few layers of grape leaves and top with sliced tomatoes. This protects the stuffed grape leaves touching the bottom of the pot from scorching.
To stuff grape leaves, work one leaf at a time. Lay the leaf flat on a cutting board with the more textured side facing you. Cut off the stem.
Take a heaping teaspoon of the rice stuffing mixture (a little bit less than 1 tablespoon) and place in the center of the leaf (close to where stem was).
Fold the sides over the filling and roll, keep tucking the left and right sides as you roll (think of this like you're rolling spring rolls or cigars.)
Fold and roll grape leaves tightly enough but not too tight so the rice has room to expand as it cooks.
Step 4: Assemble Grape Leaves in Cooking Pot
Neatly arrange the grape leaves in rows, seam-side down, in your prepared pot, covering the circumference of the pot.
Then place a small plate inverted on top (this helps keep them in place while cooking.) Boil the water or broth and pour over the grape leaves, arriving at the top layer and somewhat covering (about 4 cups liquid, maybe a little more.)
Step 5: Cook Grape Leaves on Stovetop
Cover the pot with its lid and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes until the liquid has been absorbed. Uncover and remove the plate, then pour juice of 2 lemons. Cover again with the lid (no need for the plate at this point), cook on low heat for 30 to 45 more minutes or until fully cooked.
Let rest for 20 to 30 minutes, uncovered, before transferring to serving platter.
Tips for Making this Grape Leaves Recipe
I've been making grape leaves with my mom since my young teen years, she taught me a few important tips for making grape leaves. Here they are:
1. Soak The Rice in Water Before Using in the Stuffing. Two important ingredients of our grape leaves stuffing here are cooked ground beef and rice. It's important to rinse the rice well to get rid of excess starch which causes rice to be sticky. Then soak the rice for 20 minutes or until you can break one grain of rice by pressing it between your index finger and your thumb. This way, your rice cooks evenly as the interior of the grain actually cooks before the exterior looses its shape. (I do the same when I cook my Lebanese rice and Greek lemon rice, works every time!)
2. Do NOT Over Stuff the Grape Leaves! Don't over-stuff the grape leaves, remember that the filling is mostly of rice and it will expand as it cooks.
3. Roll tightly BUT allow for room for expansion. Roll the grape leaves tightly enough, so that they don't unravel or become undone while cooking, but again remember rice will expand as it cooks so don't fold too tightly or the rice won't cook properly.
4. Keep the Grape Leaves from Floating or Unraveling While Cooking. To do this, make sure the grape leaves are assembled in your pot with the seam-side down. Then, add a small inverted plate on top of the assembled grape leaves in the pot to help keep them intact and prevent them from floating while cooking. Once the liquid has been absorbed, you can remove the plate to finish cooking as instructed.
5. Let Cooked Grape Leaves Rest for 30 Minutes before Serving. I know, it's so hard not to immediately dig into those tasty grape leaves! But for best results, allow them to rest for 20 to 30 minutes so that any remaining liquids are absorbed and the leaves set nicely, plus they just taste better.
Vegetarian Grape Leaves Option
Since I published this post, I've received a number of requests asking for a vegetarian grape leaves recipe. I plan to put out a full tutorial on that, but here is essentially what you need to make this recipe vegetarian:
- The difference in vegetarian grape leaves is obviously in the stuffing mixture. You will need to omit the meat and add ½ cup more rice.
- Sautee the onions (no meat this time) until translucent. And add onions to the rice. Add spices (allspice and cumin) and pinch of salt and add the fresh herbs. Mix to combine and use this vegetarian mixture in the recipe as outlined.
Where to Find Grape Leaves?
Many grocery stores now carry jarred grape leaves in brine; check the international food section. I typically use the Orlando Brand grape leaves, and you can buy it here on Amazon(affiliate link.)
Can I use Fresh Grape Leaves to make Dolmas?
If you're lucky enough to find fresh grape vine leaves, by all means, you should use them to make these dolmas. To use them in this recipe, first be sure to wash them well, then blanch them in boiling hot water. Remove from water using a slotted spoon and place them in a colander to fully cool and drain. From there, you can use them as indicated in the recipe. And if you have any extra, try using them to wrap Greek meatloaf!
What to Serve with Stuffed Grape Leaves
People often ask me if they should serve dolmas or stuffed grape leaves cold or hot. And what to serve with stuffed grape leaves?
Traditionally, Greek dolmas, particularly the meatless kind, are served at room temperature or slightly cooler as part of Mezze! That's never a bad idea, and don't forget some Tztaziki, creamy hummus, or some smoky Baba Ganoush to serve along.
But, since these are stuffed grape leaves with meat, you can absolutely serve them warm as the main course with a side of Tzatziki (or plain yogurt) and Greek salad or tabouli! You can also serve them as a next to Zucchini Fritters (Kolokithokeftedes); Greek lamb; grilled lamb chops; roast chicken; or Souvlaki!
Watch the video for how to make them:
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Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Up to 60 grape leaves 1x
Description
These flavor-packed grape leaves are stuffed with a tantalizing mixture of rice; meat; and loads of fresh herbs and warm spices, then cooked in a bright lemony broth. I learned how to make stuffed grape leaves in my mother’s Mediterranean kitchen many years ago, and I’m sharing all her expert tips and tricks with step-by-step photos to show you (be sure to read the post.)
Ingredients
- 1 16-oz jar grape leaves in brine (about 60 to 70 leaves), I used Oralndo brand (affiliate link)
- 1 ½ cup short grain rice, soaked in plenty of water for 15 minutes, then drained
- Extra virgin olive oil (I used Private Reserve Greek EVOO)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 12 oz lean ground beef
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 1 tsp allspice
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ cup EACH chopped fresh parsley, fresh dill, and fresh mint
- 1 to 2 tomatoes sliced into rounds
- About 4 cups or more low-sodium chicken broth or water
- Juice of 2 lemons
Instructions
Prepare the Grape Leaves
- If using jarred grape leaves as I am here, remove them from the jar and discard the brine. Rinse the grape leaves well and place them in a colander to drain. (Later in the process, you'll remove the stems before stuffing.) (See notes if using fresh grape leaves)
Prepare the Stuffing
- Soak the rice in plenty of water for about 15 to 20 minutes or until you are able to break one grain of rice easily. Drain well.
- While the rice is soaking, cook the meat. Heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Add onions and cook briefly, about 2 minutes or so, tossing until translucent. Add the meat and cook till fully browned, tossing occasionally. Drain any excess fat, then season the meat with kosher salt, pepper, and spices. Toss to combine. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the meat, drained rice, and fresh herbs. Season lightly with kosher salt. Add a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and mix so that everything is well-incorporated.
Stuff Grape Leaves, Assemble, and Cook
- Prepare a heavy cooking pot and lightly brush the bottom with extra virgin olive oil. Arrange a few grape leaves in the bottom (I used the leaves that didn't look too great here and made three layers to protect the stuffed leaves from scorching later.) Top with sliced tomatoes.
- To stuff the grape leaves, you will work one leaf at a time. Place one grape leave on a cutting board the textured/rough side facing you. Take 1 heaping teaspoon of the filling and place in the center of the leave, then fold the sides over the filling and roll (think about this like rolling spring rolls or cigars.) Repeat with the remaining grape leaves or until you're out of stuffing.
- Neatly arrange the grape leaves in row, seam side down, in your prepared pot, covering the circumference of the pot. Then place a small plate inverted on top. Boil the broth or water and pour over the grape leaves, arriving at the top layer and somewhat covering (about 4 cups liquid, maybe a little more.)
- Now cover the pot with the lid and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes until the liquid has been absorbed. Uncover and remove the plate, then pour juice of 2 lemons. Cover again with the lid (no need for the plate at this point), cook on low heat for 30 to 45 more minutes or until fully cooked.
To Serve
- Remove grape leaves from heat. Allow to rest uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
- Add a generous drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil (I used Private Reserve EVOO), and transfer to a serving platter.
- Serve with a side of Greek Tzatziki sauce or plain yogurt and wedges of lemon. (More suggestions for what to serve along in the post above)
Notes
- Cooks Tips for Best Results: 1) Be sure to soak the rice before using, this allows it cook well and more evenly. 2) Don't over-stuff the grape leaves, remember that the filling is mostly of rice and it will expand as it cooks. 3) Roll the grape leaves tightly enough so that they don't unravel or become undone while cooking, BUT again, remember rice will expand as it cooks, so don't fold too tightly or the rice won't cook properly. 4) Adding a small inverted plate on top of assembled grape leaves in the pot helps keep them intact and in place and prevents them from floating while cooking. Once the liquid has been absorbed, you can remove the plate to finish cooking as instructed. 5) Once cooked, allow the grape leaves to rest for 20 to 30 minutes so that any remaining liquids are absorbed and the leaves set nicely, plus they just taste better.
- Vegetarian Option:The difference in vegetarian grape leaves is obviously in the stuffing mixture. You will need to omit the meat and add ½ cup more rice. Sautee the onions (no meat this time) until translucent. And add onions to the rice. Add spices (allspice and cumin) and pinch of salt and add the fresh herbs. Mix to combine and use this vegetarian mixture in the recipe as outlined.
- If using fresh grape leaves: wash them very well and blanch them in boiling hot water. Remove from water using a slotted spoon and place them in a colander to fully cool and drain.
- Leftovers: Store properly in the fridge in a tight-lid, refrigerator-safe container for 3 to 4 days. You can enjoy them cold or reheat. To reheat, place in a pot with a tiny bit of liquid, cover and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through.
- Prepare-Ahead Tips: 1) You can prepare the stuffing 1 to 2 nights in advance and keep refrigerated in a tight-lid glass container in the fridge. 2) You can also roll the grape leaves and assemble them fully up to 1 night in advance and keep refrigerated until ready to cook. I like to take them out of the fridge for a bit before cooking so they are not so cold.
- Recommended for this Recipe: Visit our Online Shop to browse our Greek extra virgin olive oils and all-natural spices including allspice and cumin used in this recipe!
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed grape leaf
*This recipe first appeared on The Mediterranean Dish in 2014 and has been recently republished with new media and information for readers benefit. Enjoy!
So delicious and not hard at all. Just made a batch to have for lunches this week —yum!
Delicious! We picked our own grape leaves, mint, dill & parsley and made these a Friday date-night project. Time consuming, but fun & very tasty!
What a great way to spend time together!
Delicious. Made for first time. I used too much chicken broth. I didn't notice that it had to be absorbed but I salvaged it by pouring some off till all was absorbed. Not a bad effort for a newbie. But the dish is Delicious and wonderful!
Could I use ground lamb instead and add currents or raisins.
Absolutely!
My daughter tried this recipe. Unfortunately the rice/meat ratio is way off. You really need 3 tablespoon rice per pound of meat
The amount of chicken broth is off as well. All you need is 1-to 1 1/2 cups of water and drizzle of olive oil over the top. Omitting cumin and adding 1 Tbsp of tomato and pepper paste to the filling increases the flavor
Have never cooked the meat before rollling? This is not traditional or necessary.
Could I use leftover cookwd white rice here? How would I get the flavors to marry if I can’t could them as long ( since rice is cooked)? Thank
Hi, Erin. We haven't tried this with cooked rice as well. I fear the rice may become mushy. However, other readers have commented that it worked for them, so may be worth a try.
If you dry the rice out single layer in freezer, it won’t get mushy.
How many of these would you serve if they were the main dish for the meal? In other words, how many people would this recipe serve if it were the main dish? Obviously not 60.
Six to eight for a main course is what a restaurant would serve for a main dish
Suzy, for a vegetarian option, could chopped mushrooms replace the meat instead of adding more rice? I’m thinking of sautéing the mushrooms with the onions after the onions have cooked for a minute or two. I’m trying to keep calories down a bit. Any reason this wouldn’t work? Would I need any other adjustments? Thanks! And as always, I love your creations and family stories!
Is it possible to freeze the dolmas if we are preparing ahead of time?
If so, do we freeze prior to cooking or before?
Thank you
Hi, Annie. I have had success freezing them after they've been cooked and completely cooled. Just place them in a freezer bag in one layer and freeze. Hope you enjoy them!
This recipe is delicious with a nice accent of spices. I made them using 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef and 1 1/2 cups of sweet rice as I thought your ratio was too rice heavy. From another recipe I added some tomato sauce as I was low on fresh tomatoes.
Otherwise followed recipe exact but added some Garam masala for another spice.
They didn't last as they were too delicious.
Two batches used up one jar of grape leaves.
Thanks for the recipe.
Glad you enjoyed it, Ron!
Definitely don't cook the meat, it makes it so hard to roll the leaves neatly
Looks delicious! I would love to try this with brown rice, do you have a recommended technique for that?
Hi, Naomi! We have not tested this recipe with brown rice, but I don't think that would be an issue. You may need to adjust the cooking time and water amount a bit, though.
Why do you cook your meat? We never cook the stuffing!
Could I use the outer leaves of cabbage instead of grape leaves? I'm thinking the mint would give the cabbage an exotic flavor and marry well with the allspice and cumin.
I'm trying this tomorrow. Now instead of tomatoes I might use potato or onion slices. I have only green tomatoes and they are strictly for fried green tomatoes which I'll serve with this dish. It will be a Southern variation.
Your idea to use stuffed cabbage here reminds me of our Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe. You can check it out for some guidance. Sounds like you love to experiment and play with recipes! Love that!
can I use raw meat & rice, then cook?
Hi, Michelle. Yes, you can use raw meat here. Using cooked meat just gives those who have never made dolmas before a little piece of mind :). Enjoy!
Suzy, I wish I could give more stars. I was worried about the spices so used half and used fresh grape leaves blanched, lamb, cauliflower rice for a low carb version, fresh garden herbs and cooked them in a pressure cooker. The filling is so complex and rich tasting we ate them plain out of the pot. So good, best I’ve ever made, will use full spice next time and thank you.
Wow! Love hearing this! Thanks, Jane!