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Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmades) from the Chef at Perivolas, Santorini (Dairy & Gluten Free)


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  • Author: Ambra Torelli
  • Total Time: 90 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

Flavorful rice and herb filling nestled in tender vine leaves, finished with a creamy avgolemono sauce. A taste of Santorini.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 60 Vine Leaves (blanched and ready to cook)
  • 1 cups (237 ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 bunch fresh Dill (finely chopped)
  • 1 bunch fresh Mint (finely chopped)
  • 2 Scallions (finely chopped)
  • 1 big Onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 lbs (400 gr) Carolina or Long Grain Rice
  • 1 lbs (400 gr) Water (+ more water to cook them once they are rolled)
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • 1-2 Lemons Juice from
  • 5 oz (120 gr) Egg Yolks (approximately 8 yolks)
  • 2 oz (60 gr) fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 oz (20 gr) Organic Corn Starch
  • 1 lbs (500 gr) Vegetable Broth
  • 1 tsp (4 gr) Salt
  • 8 oz (200 gr) Coconut Cream (obtained from refrigerating Coconut Milk overnight)

Instructions

  1. In a pot, over medium to high heat, add half of the olive oil, with the scallion and onion and cook until soft, for about 10 minutes.
  2. Add in the rice and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Add the water, stir well, lower the heat and cook for about 5 minutes.
  4. Take the pan off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before stirring in the dill, mint, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
  5. Cover a shallow, wide pot with a layer of vine leaves and add in the lemon juice.
  6. To roll the dolmades, lay vine leaves on a cutting board, add one tablespoon of rice filling (quantity varies depending on vine leaf size) in the middle, then close the frame and roll tightly. Each roll should be approximately 5 cm long.
  7. Place the dolmades in the pot forming a spiral, layering until finished.
  8. Add the remaining olive oil and place a round plate on top of the dolmades. Add warm water or vegetable broth until fully covered. Cook for 40-50 minutes, depending on size. Once cooked, let rest in the pot until completely cooled to maintain shape.
  9. Prepare the Avgolemono Sauce: Combine egg yolks and corn flour in a bowl and beat lightly.
  10. Heat the broth and add it to the yolk mixture, stirring slowly.
  11. Put the mixture into a pot and cook until thickened (about 2 minutes).
  12. Add salt, lemon juice, and vegetable cream and cook for 1-2 more minutes.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
  • If vine leaves are difficult to find, substitute with cabbage leaves, blanching them before use.
  • Store leftover dolmades in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the avgolemono sauce may separate slightly but remains safe to consume.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8-10 dolmades
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 300
  • Fat: 15
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 5
  • Cholesterol: 100