Have you tried stuffed grape leaves (aka dolmas)? There are all kinds of variations — some with only veggies and rice, some with meat and rice, some with tomato sauce and some with pine nuts. I have had some bad stuffed grape leaves. And I tell you this just so, even if you’ve had a bad dolma, you still might give these a try!
My husband’s family is Lebanese and this is their recipe. I still remember the first time I tried them — we were visiting his family in Dallas for Christmas and his grandmother and aunts made them for Christmas Eve dinner. I was a little wary (did I mention I’ve had some bad dolmas?), but was so wonderfully surprised when I bit into one! They are warm and tender, bursting with the most delicious flavors!
And who knew they were so easy to make? The rolling technique takes a little practice, and it’s definitely easier to demonstrate in person than explain in writing, so be sure to check out the video below.
For a full Mediterranean spread, serve the dolmas with Greek yogurt or labne, homemade hummus, baba ganoush, easy lentil soup, a fresh loaf of bread, and a big Greek salad.