DOLMADES, GREEK STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES

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Here's a super simple Greek dish for that dinner party or potluck where you want to bring something unusual and delicious. Dolmades are easy to make, nutritious and will have your family and guests saying "OPA!"

DOLMADES

Courtesy of Chef Jackie Olden © 2012

Ingredients:

1/2 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
2 large onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
2 cups uncooked rice
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 jar grape leaves (about 50) rinsed then dried on paper towels
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup pine nuts
2 cups water

Directions:

In a large skillet, saute onions in oil until soft but not brown, then stir in rice and cook, stirring, until golden. Add beef, pepper, pine nuts, lemon juice, mint and parsley.

Saute for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stuff each grape leaf with 1 large tablespoon of filling, fold and roll up. Place in a single layer, close together, rolled edge down, in a large skillet. Add water to cover. Place an ovenproof plate or lid directly on top of the dolmades so they won't open while cooking. Simmer slowly for about 45 minutes or 1 hour, or until all the water has been absorbed.

Makes about 50