Vegetarian Dolma
Tender grape leaves wrapped around a fragrant bulgur and herb filling, simmered until infused with lemon and garlic. A showstopping Mediterranean main with authentic flavor.
- Total time
- 50 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 385
- Protein
- 11g
Ingredients
13 items — tap to check off
Missing one? Custrd suggests a swap that works.
Open the appInstructions
Step 1
Drain and rinse grape leaves under cold water; lay flat on paper towels to dry, ~5 minutes.
Step 2
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add diced onion; cook until softened, ~4 minutes.
Step 3
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds; stir in bulgur and toast for 1 minute.
Step 4
Add vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until bulgur is tender, ~12 minutes.
Step 5
Stir in mint, parsley, pine nuts, raisins, lemon zest, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cool filling for 10 minutes.
Step 6
Place a grape leaf shiny-side down. Spoon 2 tbsp filling near the stem. Fold sides in, then roll away from you tightly.
Step 7
Repeat with remaining leaves and filling. You should have 12-16 dolma.
Step 8
Line the bottom of a heavy pot with any torn or leftover grape leaves. Arrange dolma seam-side down in a single layer.
Step 9
Pour 1 cup water around the dolma. Drizzle with remaining 2 tbsp olive oil and lemon juice; season with salt.
Step 10
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 30 minutes until leaves are very tender.
Step 11
Transfer dolma to a platter. Taste cooking liquid, adjust seasoning, and drizzle over top.
Tools you’ll need
- large skillet
- heavy-bottomed pot (3-4 quart capacity)
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- wooden spoon
- paper towels
- measuring cups and spoons
Cook smarter
Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge
Custrd is an iPhone and Android app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations. Try it free for 7 days.
