Instant Pot Dolmas Recipe | Unstuffed Dolma Casserole (2024)

FAQs

Do you heat canned dolmas? ›

Once the brine has been removed, you can serve your dolmas cold on a mezze platter, reheat them in the microwave, or warm them in a covered dish in the oven.

Leftovers: Store properly in the fridge in a tight-lid, refrigerator-safe container for 3 to 4 days. You can enjoy them cold or reheat. To reheat, place in a pot with a tiny bit of liquid, cover and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through.

Dolma is one of the oldest national dishes of Azerbaijan.

It consists of wrapping fruits and vegetables (such as apples, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, quince, pumpkin, cucumbers, mushrooms) or meats (lamb, mutton, chicken, fish) in fresh or preserved leaves of grape, Rumex, hornbeam and quince.

Canned or jarred grape leaves should be rinsed first in a large bowl of very hot water and then in cold water.

A Greek dish with history

Dolmades (the plural of dolmas) somehow became a synonym for corruption. It became demeaning to call someone “dolmas”, a nickname which is used till this very day, even though nowadays it is fun and does not carry a bad connotation. During the Age of Enlightenment, dolmades were very popular.

Whenever possible, use fresh grape leaves, which taste, as you might guess, more fresh and vibrant. Choose young tender, blemish-free leaves throughout the spring and early summer and store them flat, layered with paper towels, in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them.

Flavor Enhancements: Ingredients like lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and aromatic herbs such as dill, mint, and parsley add depth and complexity to the flavors of stuffed grape leaves.

Raw grapevine leaves are not edible; thus, they must undergo some culinary processes. This is quite challenging as it is essential to preserve their nutritional properties.

First and foremost, dolmades are often packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like rice, fresh herbs, and vegetables. These elements provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all of which contribute to your overall well-being. For those with dietary restrictions, dolmades can be a great option.

Unlike many other cuisines, Dolma is not tied to a specific country. It is both Turkish and Greek. Some people also claim Dolma to be a dish from the Middle East, Armenia and Lebanon. Each of these countries has a Dolma variation prepared with local ingredients.

What to serve with dolmades? ›

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.

Dolmas, Stuffed Grape Leaves. Savor a taste of the Mediterranean with Dolmas (aka stuffed grape leaves). Derived from the Turkish word “dolmak,” meaning “to stuff,” Dolmas are tender Sultana grape leaves hand-wrapped around a filling of whole grain rice, onions, mint, dill, and just a hint of lemon.

Dolmades are a food you will find in many variations in every area of Greece and in every season. The name 'dolma' has been borrowed by the Greeks from the Turks, however the food itself stems from ancient Greece. In ancient Greece, dolmades were called 'Thria' -Θρία- and were made with tender fig leaves!

Basic Facts

The name dolmas comes from the Greek word dolmadaki, a direct form of the Turkish word dolma meaning stuffed or filled. These appetizers are made from vine leaves that are filled with rice, vegetables and fresh herbs and then rolled into a small bite-sized wraps.

Dolmas or dolmades are very versatile; they can be eaten cold or warm. Traditionally dolmas containing meat are eaten warm with a yogurt sauce that is lightly flavored with garlic. Rice filled dolmas are served cold with a drizzling of lemon juice and olive oil.

In short, yes. Canned Dolmas (or jarred grape leaves, for that matter) should be rinsed after opening, because products like these typically come brined. So, a quick wash will remove excess salt solutions, which could otherwise ruin the overall quality of the meal.

How should dolmas be served? Dolmas are best served at room temperature or slightly warm. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, part of a mezze platter, or as a main dish accompanied by a fresh salad and some yogurt or tzatziki sauce. Can dolmas be eaten with your hands or should they be eaten with utensils?

Overall, grape leaves are both low in calories and high in fiber. They also have high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin K ( 17 ). Additionally, they have a very high antioxidant content. In fact, research suggests that grape leaves have 10 times the antioxidant activity of grape juice or pulp (18).