Middle_Eastern
Middle Eastern - Mezze and Starters
Dolma Mezze Starter
Chef's Menu Description
Flaky, all-butter golden pastry filled with a delicately spiced sweet filling, baked until crisp and aromatic.
Ingredients
- • 40 grape vine leaves, rinsed and drained
- • 1 cup short-grain rice, rinsed
- • 1 large onion, finely diced
- • 3 tbsp olive oil
- • 2 tbsp tomato paste
- • 2 tbsp pine nuts
- • 1 tsp dried mint
- • 1 tsp salt
- • 3 tbsp lemon juice
Preparation Steps
1
Phase 1
Soften the onion in the olive oil, then stir in the tomato paste, rice, pine nuts, mint, and salt for 2 minutes.
2
Phase 2
Trim the tough stems from the leaves and pat them dry.
3
Phase 3
Place a teaspoon of filling on each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll snugly leaving room for the rice to swell.
4
Phase 4
Lay the rolls seam-side down in tight layers in a pot, cover with water mixed with the lemon juice, and weight down with a plate.
5
Phase 5
Cover and simmer gently for 40 to 45 minutes until the rice is tender.
6
Phase 6
Rest in the cooking liquid and serve at room temperature.