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Lamb Dolmas with Apricots and Fresh Grape Leaves

Lamb Dolmas with Apricots and Fresh Grape Leaves

Tender grape leaves stuffed with seasoned lamb, fragrant rice, and sweet dried apricots create an elegant Middle Eastern classic perfect for spring gatherings. These hand-rolled dolmas are gently simmered in lemony broth until perfectly succulent and aromatic.

AI SCORE
88
/100

Lamb Dolmas with Apricots and Fresh Grape Leaves

Tender grape leaves stuffed with seasoned lamb, fragrant rice, and sweet dried apricots create an elegant Middle Eastern classic perfect for spring gatherings. These hand-rolled dolmas are gently simmered in lemony broth until perfectly succulent and aromatic.

AI SCORE
88
/100
Middle EasternMain CourseDairy-Free
⏱️
45 min
Prep time
👥
6 people
Servings
🔥
340 kcal
Calories
📊
Medium
Difficulty

Ingredients

  • 1 jar (450g) grape leaves in brine, drained and rinsed
  • 450g ground lamb
  • 150g long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 100g dried apricots, finely diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 500ml chicken or lamb stock
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts

Instructions

1

Rinse grape leaves thoroughly under cold water and soak in warm water for 20 minutes to remove excess salt, then pat dry and trim any tough stems.

2

In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, uncooked rice, diced apricots, chopped onion, garlic, mint, dill, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.

3

Place a grape leaf flat with the shiny side down and stem end facing you. Add 1 tablespoon of filling near the stem, fold the bottom over the filling, fold in the sides, then roll tightly into a cylinder. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

4

Line the bottom of a large heavy-bottomed pot with torn or imperfect grape leaves to prevent sticking.

5

Arrange dolmas seam-side down in tight concentric circles, layering if needed. Sprinkle pine nuts between layers.

6

Whisk together stock, lemon juice, tomato paste, and remaining olive oil. Pour over dolmas until just covered.

7

Place a heatproof plate directly on top of dolmas to keep them submerged during cooking.

8

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 50-60 minutes until rice is tender and lamb reaches an internal temperature of at least 71°C (160°F). Check by cutting one dolma open to test.

9

Remove from heat and let rest covered for 10 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature with lemon wedges.

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This recipe was generated by AI and verified before going live — completeness, ratios, logic and prep time all checked.
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