Dolmadakia

Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Ingredients for 30 rolls:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 1/2 lbs grape leaves
• 2 lemons
• 1 cup olive oil
• 3 large onions, chopped
• 5 scallions, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon dill weed
• ½ cup chopped parsley
• 2 ½ cups water

Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan and sauté onions with salt until transparent.
2. Add pepper and rice, cook for 10 minutes.
3. Add dill, parsley, scallions, juice of 1 lemon and 1/2 cup of the water and cook for another 10 minutes.
4. Rinse, drain and carefully separate the grape leaves.
5. Place shiny side down and put about 1 tablespoon of the filling on each leaf.
6. Start at the base and fold over, then fold in sides and roll tightly.
7. In a pot line the bottom with grape leaves so the rolls don’t get stuck.
8. Then arrange the rolls, side by side, in layers.
9. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and juice of remaining lemon and 1 cup water.
10. Weight down with heat proof plate and simmer gently 25 minutes.
11. Add remaining 1 cup of water and simmer for another 25 minutes.
12. To serve, pile stuffed grape leaves on serving plate and garnish with lemon slices.
13. Enjoy your Dolmadakia!