# Stuffed grape leaves (from The Mediterranean Dish)

Video: [Dolmas Recipe | How To Make Stuffed Grape Leaves!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA) by [The Mediterranean Dish](https://www.youtube.com/@TheMediterraneanDish).
RecipesMD is not affiliated with The Mediterranean Dish. Steps are paraphrased in our own words.
Status: machine-read from the video, not yet checked by a person.

- Serves: not stated
- Total time: not stated
- Ontario estimate*: ~$5.84 per serving, ~$17.51 for ~3 portions (assumed); saves ~$13.16* per serving (69%) vs ordering out (~$19.00*). * Estimate: 4 line(s) we couldn't price were filled with typical costs for their type; the video doesn't state how many it serves, so 3 portions were assumed; restaurant comparison is a typical Ontario Mediterranean restaurant plate at ~$19, before delivery fees, tax and tip. Prices: Ontario averages (StatCan 2026-07) + RecipesMD estimates, pro-rated, staples excluded.

## Ingredients

- 1 jar grape leaves
- some rice _(amount estimated)_
- some extra virgin olive oil _(amount estimated)_
- some onions _(amount estimated)_
- some ground beef _(amount estimated)_
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- a bit parsley _(amount estimated)_
- fresh mint
- fresh dill
- a few slices tomatoes _(amount estimated)_
- some broth _(amount estimated)_
- 2 lemons

## Steps

1. [0:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=21s) Transfer grape leaves from jar into a pot of boiling water and blanch them for about 5 minutes.
2. [1:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=69s) Rinse the rice in a bowl until the water runs clear to remove starch.
3. [1:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=81s) Remove blanched grape leaves from the pot and place them on a plate.
4. [1:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=90s) Heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over the stove.
5. [1:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=93s) Add chopped onions to the skillet and cook until fragrant and golden brown.
6. [2:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=125s) Add ground beef to the skillet and break it apart, cooking for 7 to 10 minutes until fully browned.
7. [2:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=134s) Drain excess liquid and fat from the cooked beef mixture.
8. [2:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=137s) Season the beef with salt, pepper, allspice, and cumin.
9. [2:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=154s) Drain the soaked rice.
10. [2:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=157s) Combine the drained rice, cooked ground beef, chopped parsley, mint, and dill in a large bowl.
11. [3:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=204s) Add salt, pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to the bowl, then mix well.
12. [4:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=262s) Place a grape leaf flat on a cutting board with the rough side facing up and cut off the stem.
13. [4:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=277s) Add a spoonful of the filling into the middle of the leaf, fold the sides in, and roll it up tightly.
14. [6:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=403s) Brush a Dutch oven or pot with extra virgin olive oil.
15. [7:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=432s) Line the bottom of the pot with a few plain grape leaves and tomato slices.
16. [7:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=454s) Arrange the rolled stuffed grape leaves snugly inside the pot with the seam side down.
17. [8:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=494s) Invert a small plate on top of the grape leaves to prevent them from unrolling.
18. [8:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=505s) Pour heated broth over the side of the pot until it slightly covers the leaves.
19. [8:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=511s) Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat, cover with a lid, and simmer for 30 minutes.
20. [8:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=527s) Remove the lid and plate, add the juice of two lemons over the grape leaves, cover again, and simmer on low heat for another half hour.
21. [9:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7Q1phtaoA&t=575s) Serve the stuffed grape leaves warm or at room temperature with lemon slices and tomatoes.

## Equipment

- pot
- skillet
- cutting board
- knife
- spoon
- bowl
- Dutch oven
- plate
- tongs

## What the video didn't say

- exact quantities of ingredients
- exact cooking temperatures
- exact serving yield
- exact total preparation and cooking time

Source page: https://recipesmd.com/v/the-mediterranean-dish-stuffed-grape-leaves