Skip to main content
Epicurious
Bon Appétit

Dolmades with Yogurt-Mint Sauce

3.8

(19)

These rice-filled grape leaves are a classic Greek appetizer.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 30

Ingredients

Grape leaves

1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
4 cups canned chicken broth
1/3 cup currants
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 cup minced fresh mint
1 8-ounce jar grape leaves,* drained

Sauce

1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup minced fresh mint
1 garlic clove, minced
Lemon wedges
*Available at Greek, Middle Eastern and most Italian markets.

Preparation

  1. For grape leaves:

    Step 1

    Heat 1/4 cup oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic. Sauté until very tender, about 10 minutes. Add rice and cumin and stir 1 minute. Add 2 cups broth and currants. Cover and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Transfer to bowl. Mix in nuts, parsley and mint. Season with salt and pepper. Cool completely (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.)

    Step 2

    Place grape leaves in bowl. Cover with cold water and let stand 30 minutes. Drain. Cut off stems. Arrange 1 leaf veined side up on work surface. Place 1 rounded tablespoon of rice filling on stem end. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling. Place seam side down in 2 heavy 12-inch skillets. Divide remaining 3 tablespoons oil and 2 cups broth between skillets. Cover; simmer over medium-low heat until liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes. Uncover and let rolls cool. Transfer to platter. Cover and chill. (Can be made 1 day ahead.)

  2. For sauce:

    Step 3

    Combine yogurt, mint and garlic in small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

    Step 4

    Place grape leaf rolls on platter and garnish with lemon. Serve with sauce.

TagsGreekEuropeanStarterSideLunchDinnerGluten FreeMake AheadBon Appétit
Read More
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in May
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Whole Lemon Bars
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App This Week
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
Grilled Salmon With Dill Chimichurri
Grilling fish atop a bed of lemon slices is the key to not sticking.
Grilled Steak With Spicy Peanut Dressing
A punchy, spicy peanut vinaigrette transforms a simply grilled steak into a showstopping main.
Charred Vegetable Ragù
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
Miso-Peanut Hibachi Chicken
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.