Dolmas (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

The spices may seem like a strange combination, but this is a wonderful, delicate traditional Turkish dish with a twist. Serve chilled, as is traditional, or warm, as desired. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over dolmas before serving.

Step: 1

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onions until tender. Stir in rice and hot water to cover. Cover and simmer until rice is half cooked, about 10 minutes.

Step: 2

Remove from heat and stir in tomato paste, currants, pine nuts, cinnamon, mint leaves, dill weed, allspice and cumin. Let mixture cool.

Step: 3

Prepare a large pot by placing an inverted plate on the bottom; this protects the dolmas from direct heat when steaming.

Step: 4

Rinse grape leaves in warm water; drain and cut off any stems. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cooled rice mixture in the center of a leaf. Fold in the sides and then roll into a cigar shape. Place in prepared pot. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Step: 5

Pour in just enough warm water to reach the bottom of the first layer of dolmas. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes, or until rice is totally cooked. Check the water level often and add more as necessary.

Per Serving: 207 calories; protein 5.3g; carbohydrates 39.1g; fat 3.8g; sodium 846.7mg.

Getting stay in and make food your food instead of dining out is good a step in the best direction if you’re focusing on eating healthier. There’s no good way to know precisely what’s going into the food you’re eat than by making it yourself! Mastering the main dish is only half the battle , like that . And once you’ve perfected your chicken, steak, or fish, that is time to turn your attention to the ever- important side dishes.

A side dish can easily make down of your health goals, as sugar , sodium, fat, and calories can all get than high quickly if you’re not careful . But with our good practise of cook on side dish recipes, you won’t ever run into that mistakes .