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The Recipe · No.220 · Dolmades

Dolmades, and where to source it

Dolmades — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Dolmades Greek 5best2buy.com

Dolmades come down to a bright rice filling and leaves rolled tight enough not to burst. Par-cook the rice only halfway so it swells to fill the leaf without splitting it. Line the pot with torn leaves and weight the rolls so they hold their shape as they simmer.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep50 min
Cook45 min
Makes40 pieces
CuisineGreek
Cost$$$
VeganGluten-free
Contains  tree nuts
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 40 pieces
White rice
The heart of the filling; medium-grain swells and stays distinct.
1.5 cups
Source it →
Olive oil
Carries the filling and the braising liquid; use a generous fruity oil.
3/4 cup
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Lemon
The acid that defines dolmades; juice in the filling and over the pot.
3, juiced
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Pine nuts or almonds
Toasted into the filling for crunch and richness.
1/3 cup
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Grape leaves
The wrapper; brined jarred leaves need a rinse to cut the salt before rolling.
1 jar (16 oz)
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Fresh dill and mint
The herbs that make the filling taste alive; chop just before mixing.
1/2 cup each
Local / market
Yellow onion
Finely diced and sweated into the rice.
1 large
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Scallions
Softened with the onion for a gentle bite.
1 bunch
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
One-pot
The Method
  1. Start the fillingSweat onion and scallion in olive oil, add rice, and toast 2 minutes, then stir in herbs, lemon, and pine nuts.
  2. Par-cookAdd 1 cup water and cook until the rice is half done and the water is gone; it will finish inside the leaves.
  3. RollLay a leaf vein-side up, add a spoon of filling, fold the sides, and roll into a tight cigar.
  4. Pack the potLine the pot with torn leaves, pack the rolls seam-down in tight layers, and set a plate on top to weight them.
  5. SimmerAdd water, lemon, and olive oil to just cover, cover, and simmer 45 minutes until the rice is tender; cool before serving.
The Toolkit

Wide pot · Small plate · Mixing bowl · Citrus juicer · Sharp knife

Straight Answers
Can you make Dolmades in an air fryer? — Sometimes

Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.

Can you freeze Dolmades? — Yes

Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.

Can you make Dolmades ahead of time? — Partly

The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.

Is Dolmades gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Dolmades vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.220

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