Greek dolmas are tender, brined grape leaves that hold a savory rice filling in a neat package. Dolmas are technically any food with a rice stuffing, but the grape leaf variety is widely known. The leaves are available at Greek or Middle Eastern specialty stores or at well stocked grocery stores. Wrapping the leaves around the dolma properly ensures the filling doesn't leak or burst out of the packet when you bite into it.
Instructions
1. Remove the grape leaves from the jar. Drain the leaves in a colander.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a full boil. Immerse the grape leaves in the water and boil them for two minutes.
3. Drain the leaves in the colander. Pour ice water over the leaves in the colander to cool them quickly.
4. Lay the leaves flat on your work surface with the glossy side of the leaf facing down. Cut off any tough stems.
5. Place one teaspoon of dolma filling on the . Center the filling within one inch of the bottom edge of the leaf.
6. Fold the bottom edge of the grape leaf up, covering the filling. Fold the sides in, covering the bottom of the leaf and the filling.
7. Roll the leaf up from the bottom, trapping the tucked sides inside the rolled leaf. Squeeze the dolma lightly and set it seam side down in an oiled pan.
Tags: grape leaf, grape leaves, leaves colander, bottom edge, Drain leaves, Drain leaves colander