Dolmadakia are one of the most popular Greek mezze (appetizers) and they do take some time to make. This quick pilaf is ready in 30 minutes and has all of the delicious flavors of those delicious stuffed grape leaves. Make a large batch and serve it for dinner tonight. Quick, easy, and as always, delicious.
Prepare the grape leaves
I usually have a jar or two of brined grape leaves in my pantry. Fresh leaves may be used, if you’re lucky enough to have a grapevine growing in your backyard or if you know someone who does. Fresh grape leaves should be boiled for a minute or until they soften. The leaves from the jar are already soft so, boiling them is not necessary.
Rinse the leaves from the jar under cold water to get rid of the excess brine. If the leaves still have the thick stem attached at the bottom, cut it off and discard it.
I like to roll the leaves up into a cylinder and then slice them. Then, I roughly chop them and set them aside.
Ready in 30 minutes!
Not only is this dish delicious, it’s also ready in 30 minutes. You can’t beat that!
Traditional grape leaves take time to make. Wrapping up each one of those delicious parcels is a labor of love and worth every minute. However, many times, I’m very short on time and wish I could enjoy those flavors. That’s how this dish was born! Well, I also recently conducted a poll on Instagram and Facebook where I asked you all for your recipe requests and many requested quick versions of the classics. You ask, and I will deliver 😊
I tested this recipe and all of my children loved it. Winner all around!
Feel free to use either Basmati rice or Carolina. I usually cook with Basmati rice so, that’s what I used in this recipe but, as I always say, Use what you’ve already got and love!
What to serve alongside the Grape Leaf Pilaf
There’s plenty of flavor in this dish to keep it vegan. Just serve it with plenty of lemon wedges and enjoy a light meal. However, since I look for ways to eat tzatziki as often as I can, I highly recommend it alongside the pilaf. It takes a few minutes to make and lasts for days in the refrigerator. Here’s my easy Tzatziki recipe.
Watch the Video Tutorial
I hope that you give this recipe a try and let me know what you think. I read all of the comments so, send me your recipe requests too! I’ll be back here soon with another delicious recipe worth sharing. Kali Orexi!! xxDimitra
Grape Leaf Pilaf: Greek Deconstructed Dolamdakia
Dolamdakia are one of the most popular Greek mezze (appetizers) and they do take some time to make. This quick pilaf is ready in 30 minutes and has all of the delicious flavors of those delicious stuffed grape leaves. Make a large batch and serve it for dinner tonight. Quick, easy, and as always, delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup roughly chopped brined grape leaves
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup rice (Basmati or Carolina), rinsed and soaked in cold water for 10 minutes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed black pepper or to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2-3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- lemon wedges and tzatziki for serving
Instructions
Prepare the grape leaves. Rinse them under cold water to remove some of the brine. Drain in a colander. Cut the thick stems off the bottoms of the leaves and discard them. Roughly chop the leaves and set them aside.
Add the onion and olive oil to a skillet and season them with a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes or until soft and golden.
Add the chopped grape leaves to the skillet and cook for a minute.
Drain the water from the rice and add it to the skillet along with a cup of water, a teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with the lid. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
Remove the skillet from the heat and add the herbs. Fluff the rice and serve with lemon wedges and tzatziki.
Kali Orexi!
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Wonderful idea! Can you explain how you would make this quick version with ground beef and/or lamb?
Sure! Add the ground meat after the onions are soft and season it with salt and pepper. Cook the meat in the onions for 15-20 minutes and then follow the recipe 🙂 Enjoy and kali orexi!
We like meat in our grape leaves. I think I will sauté 1/2 lb of meat with the onions.
Can’t wait to make this.
Thank you
Hi Dimitra,
I just made this and it was so easy and the flavor is spot on delicious! However, the grape leaves did not soften like they do when they are rolled and stuffed and simmered the traditional way. I tried simmering longer but the rice was starting to stick to the bottom right before burning. I added a little more water and cooked them a bit longer, but still the leaves are still tough. Any solution to this? I used grape leaves from a jar.
Thank you for another fantastic recipe and for teaching me that fresh squeezed lemon juice is the best and save the juice in the bottle for cleaning!
So sorry to hear that. Some of the grape leaves from the jars are old, unfortunately. Also, baking dries them out a bit as well. The solution would be to boil them for a few minutes before forming the bundt. Hope this helps!!
Dimitra, Yassis!! I was in dilemma on what to make for dinner…and the recipe hit my in-box, VIOLA, there was my dinner. I love making domathes but this peaked my curiosity. I’m making it for dinner and stuffing it into a tomato and serving with a spicy feta dip. The house smalls amazing, can’t wait for dinner…think I’ll sneak a bit for lunch!! Thanks for another fantastic meal. A 10 star meal
I like your receipes. you are very practıcal quick and demonstrate efficiently. Its worth my time watching you. Further your recipes fit in perfectly in Izmir Turkey too. Thank you for the free rrceipes.
I cannot find grape leaves for love or money at any of the local grocery stores. I do have some wild grapes that grow in our yard. Can I use those leaves? How would I prepare them – if that will work. In the mean time, I’m going to chop some olives to put in it for a substitute until I hear back from you
Yes, you can leave fresh grape leaves. The best are young grape leaves because they’re tender. Just boil them in salted water until tender. Then, drain and chop. Amazon sells them if you’d like to purchase them online 🙂 All the best!! Dimitra
Yiasoo Dimitra!
As a Greek, I’ve been eating dolmakia all my life. My Moms, my Aunts, my Uncles and cousins versions and even my version. I even have a device for rolling them. But in all this time, I’ve NEVER thought to make them like this. I made some today and ate it with some of my homemade dzadziki and it was wonderful!
Efharisto Ksana for another wonderful recipe!
I’ve made this numerous times..so delish😋..wondering if it would be OK to submit this recipe to our local hospital nurses week recipe collection..I promise to list your site..thx marie from 🇨🇦
You only have 1 cup of water listed. Isn’t the water to rice ratio supposed to be 2 cups water to 1 cup rice?
Exactly what I was looking for! I added 1lb ground beef (93/7) & it was delicious.
Followed the recipe exactly & it was perfect! Thank you!
Dear Dimitra,
Thanks for the recipe . I want your opinion and advice about using grape leaves in a Moussaka style recipe which I dream of doing .
Are you doing individual parcels? I’ve never tried that combination. Let me know how it turns out 🙂
The perfect side to serve with kebabs, chicken! my family loves this to the point there are NEVER any leftovers of this dish. Healthy, so easy & sooo delicious. A must try!
Thanks! really appreciate you giving me feedback! Enjoy cooking:)