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Platter of vegan dolmas garnished with lemon wedges and fresh dill.

Vegan Dolmas (Greek Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Tender grape leaves rolled around a herbed rice filling with parsley, dill, mint, lemon and olive oil - a genuinely vegan, Greek-leaning mezze.
Prep Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Appetizer, Mezze
Cuisine: Greek Mediterran
Calories: 190

Ingredients
  

1 (16 oz) jar grape leaves, drained and rinsed (about 45–50 leaves)
1 cup short- or medium-grain rice, uncooked
1 small onion, finely grated or minced
½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups water, plus more as needed
Lemon wedges, for serving

Method
 

Rinse the grape leaves thoroughly under cool water and separate them gently. Trim any thick stems.
    In a large bowl, combine the rice, onion, parsley, dill, mint, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, salt,and pepper.
      Lay a leaf shiny-side down and vein-side up. Place 1-2 teaspoons of filling near the stem end.
        Fold the stem end over the filling, fold in the sides, then roll snugly toward the tip, leaving slight slack for expansion. Set seam-side down.
          Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
            Line the bottom of a wide pot with a few spare leaves. Pack the rolls tightly, seam-side down, in rows.
              Pour the remaining olive oil, remaining lemon juice and water over the rolls until liquid reaches partway up the sides. Place a heatproof plate on top.
                Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low, cover and cook gently for 45-50 minutes, until the rice and leaves are tender.
                  Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 20 minutes before serving.
                    Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled, with lemon wedges.

                      Notes

                       If leaves tear, patch with a smaller scrap leaf. Don't overfill - the rice needs room to expand.
                      Nutrition (per serving, approximate — based on this tested recipe, 5 dolmas per serving): Calories 190, Fat 9g, Carbohydrates 25g, Fiber 2g, Protein 3g, Sodium 340mg