Greek Dolmades - traditional recipe

What does it include?

Ingredients

• 8 fresh grape leaves
• 240 ml brown rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 240 ml fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 15 ml olive oil
• 1/960 ml raisins, soaked in water
• 1/960 ml chopped almonds
• 5 ml of salt
• 1/10 ml black pepper
• 1/10 ml cumin
• 1/960 ml lemon juice
• 1/960 ml of water

How to prepare it step by step?

Preparation

1. Wash the grape leaves and soak them in cold water to soften them. Cook the rice in boiling water until al dente, drain, and let cool.
2. In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until transparent. Add the green pepper and spinach, cook until the spinach wilts.
3. Add the raisins, almonds, cooked rice, salt, black pepper, cumin, and lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients well.
4. Place a grape leaf on a flat surface, thicker side down. Place a tablespoon of the rice mixture on the bottom of the sheet. Roll up and then in, securing the edges. Repeat the process with the rest of the leaves and filling.
5. Arrange the rolls in a saucepan in layers, add the water, and cook over low heat for 30 minutes until tender. Serve hot or at room temperature.