Anything wrapped in a grape leaf can be a dolma , and sometimes even the grape leaf part is negotiable. Try orzo or bulgur in place of rice; use any variety of herbs and tender veggies; consider all kinds of meat to dolmafy your life. But the classic Greek filling of rice with fresh herbs is also the simplest.
How do you pick grape leaves for dolmades?
Select young whole, medium-size leaves (4- to 5-inches wide) with a good light green color and no holes (too small grape leaves will tear when using and too large grape leave are tough and chewy). The leaves should also be shiny, smooth leaves. Avoid fuzzy thick leaves.
What kind of grape leaves are used for stuffed grape leaves?
Sultana grape vine , with large bunches of sweet grapes and broad edible leaves which are ideal for making stuffed grape vine leaves.
Can you use wild grape leaves for stuffed grape leaves?
Greek Dolmades made with fresh leaves are better than those made with canned ones, so it might be worth it to see if any grapes live near you. Wild grape leaves are perfectly good to use , and some species kick out huge leaves perfect for stuffing.
What leaf is used in dolmades?
Dolmades ( Dolmathes ) refers to Greek dishes made with either cabbage or vine/ grape leaves , stuffed with a delicious herb-y rice mix, shaped into little rolls and boiled until wonderfully tender.
Are any grape leaves poisonous?
Types. Grape vines and other parts of the grape vine such as leaves and roots are not poisonous to humans . ... All parts of that plant are poisonous and ingesting the plant can lead to seizures and convulsions.
How do you prepare grape leaves to eat?
Blanch the Grape Leaves: Fresh grape leaves should be blanched before using. Either soak in very hot water for 15 minutes to soften the leaves or blanch grape leaves in a brine until they are soft (the time will depend on the leaves – fresh ones will only take a minute). Bring water to and boil.
Can I eat raw grape leaves?
Grape leaves can be used raw in salads or in cooked applications such as steaming and boiling. They are most commonly stuffed with seasonal and regional vegetables, rice, and meats and are cooked into a soft texture. ... In addition to fresh leaves, Grape leaves can also be found in the store already canned and preserved.
What are grape leaves used for?
Original grape leaf uses were as wrappers for a variety of mixed fillings. Today, they have expanded and can be found in sauces, rice and grain dishes, steamed fish, and more. The leaves, when picked fairly young, are tender and tangy when blanched and brined – and commonly used for making grape-leaf pickles .
What type of grape leaves are edible?
The Sultana grape, also known as the Thompson seedless , is best grape variety with edible leaves used in making dolmades.
Can you use wild grape leaves for cooking?
Typically used for wrapping around savory rice fillings , with or without ground meat, grape leaves can also be wrapped around other foods such as fish, meatloaf, and more. ... Grape leaves fall into the category of “wrap cookery,” along with cabbage, lettuce, spinach, and other wild leaves.
Can you make tea from grape leaves?
Grape leaves are edible , and you can dry yours to make a lovely tea that will remind you of an earthy green tea. This is a great way to make use of cuttings that would otherwise be thrown away.
Can you use jarred grape leaves for pickles?
I have an old recipe that calls for adding a grape leaf to each jar of pickles. Why? Grape leaves contain a substance that inhibits the enzymes that make pickles soft . However, removing the blossom ends (the source of undesirable enzymes) will make the addition of grape leaves unnecessary.
What is the difference between dolmas and dolmades?
Turkish dolmas, known as yaprak sarmasi, usually contains a bit of tomato paste and pine nuts whereas the Greek version known as dolmades contains more herbs such as green onions and dill . It’s important to note that in both cuisines stuffed grape leaved should be rolled into cigars.
Are dolmades healthy?
Summary: Dolmades are stuffed grape vine leaves that are extremely nutritious and have strong antioxidant properties.
Why are my grape leaves tough?
In just a few more weeks, the leaves will turn tough and stringy . Grape leaves are most often used for dolmades, which is the Greek term for stuffed grape leaves. ... Another important point is to make sure the rice is less than al dente before being rolled into dolmades.
