Vegan Stuffed Grape Leaves : A Turkish Delight

Prep time: 40 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4 people

Stuffed grape leaves, dolmas, sarma… The most iconic Mediterranean dish. Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with our vegan twist on the classic grape leaves rolls, also known as dolmades or sarma. A beloved dish in both Greek and Turkish cuisine, this recipe is a cherished tradition passed down through generations.

Creating these delectable treats requires precision and patience. The ideal size for each roll is akin to a pinkie finger, ensuring a delightful bite-sized experience for your guests. This version of grapes leaves rolls is a holidays food. My mother used to make this recipe in holidays and when the super important guests came.

For more vegan recipes you can check; Vegan Dolmas- Stuffed Bell Peppers, Homemade Fresh Peas Stew

What’s the difference of “Dolma “ and “Sarma” ?

The origins of “sarma” lie in the Turkish term for rolling, capturing the essence of this dish. Contrarily, “dolma” refers to filling, as seen in stuffed bell peppers. Our vegan version of stuffed grape leaves, a holiday favorite, stays true to tradition without compromising on taste.

What’s in stuffed grape leaves?

A jar of grape leaves, rice seasoned with a blend of spices, a hint of lemon, and the richness of olive oil. The choice of rice is crucial; opt for short or medium-grain varieties like baldo, arborio, or ribe for that perfect texture.

Stuffed Grape Leaves

How can you find Grape leaves?

While readily available in the Mediterranean, those outside the region can easily access jarred grape leaves such as Orlando California Grape Leaves. This convenient option ensures you can savor the authentic taste of this dish, no matter where you are.

Can you make rolls with any vegetables?

Explore beyond grape leaves; cabbage or collard greens can be equally enticing alternatives. Cabbage rolls, in particular, offer a delightful blend of sour and sweet flavors when paired with generous servings of lemon.

How do you roll the stuffed grape leaves?

Achieve the perfect stuffed grape leaves by ensuring each leaf envelops the rice mixture entirely. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of the wide part of the leaf, then, using both hands, fold in from the right and left before rolling it up like a cigar.

Embrace the essence of the Mediterranean with these vegan stuffed grape leaves – a culinary journey that brings tradition, flavor, and elegance to your table. Your guests will undoubtedly savor every bite of this delightful dish!

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  • Prep time: 40 minutes
  • Cook time: 25 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Serves: 4 people

Grape leaves rolls, dolmades, sarma… The most iconic Mediterranean dish.

Ingredients

  • 350-400gr (12-14oz) grape leaves, canned
  • 3/4c. Rice (baldo, ribe or arborio)
  • 1/2c. Warm water
  • 4 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2c. Olive oil
  • 1T. Pine nuts
  • 1T. Black current
  • 3t. Granulated sugar
  • 1c. Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1t. Dry mint
  • 1/2t. Cinnamon
  • 1/2t. Allspice
  • 1/2t. Ground pepper
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1-2c. Warm water to cook
  • 4T. Olive oil to cook

Directions

  • 1)

    Leave the grape leaves from jar, and wash them then leave to strain.

  • 2)

    Start to make the rice mixture. Take a large pan, add olive oil and pine nuts, cook with stir 2 minutes.

  • 3)

    Add onions cook 3-4 minutes until translucent and pine nuts become golden. Be careful, to not burn the pine nuts, stir while cooking.

  • 4)

    While cooking onions wash the rice until you see no white water. And strain.

  • 5)

    Add the rice to the pan, sauté 3 minutes with stir. The rice will shine.

  • 6)

    Add salt, sugar, ground pepper, black currant, cinnamon, mint and allspice. Combine.

  • 7)

    Add 1/2 cup warm water. Cover the pan and cook until it drains. Almost 5 minutes. He rice will be al dente.

  • 8)

    Turn of the heat, add parsley, combine well.

  • 9)

    Take a leaf, remove the stem, put in surface, add 1 tablespoon rice mixture middle of the wide part of the leaf. With using both hands, fold in from the right and left before rolling it up like a cigar.

  • 10)

    Repeat for the other grape leaves.

  • 11)

    Take a deep pot (like 24cm-9inch), add 3-4 leaves bottom of the pot.

  • 12)

    Add the grape leaves rolls. Add 4 tablespoon olive oil on the grape leaves rolls. Cover with 3-4 grape leave on top and sliced lemon.

  • 13)

    Pour 1 or 2 cups warm water over. The water will be in the same height. (It can be change depend on your pot)

  • 14)

    Put a plate on the grape leaves rolls and covers the pot.

  • 15)

    Cook 25 minutes until the grape leaves softened. Check one of the rolls and if it’s still hard and there is no water in the pot, add 1/2cup warm water and cook until absorbed.

  • 16)

    Turn off the heat, leave it cool. Serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy!

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