Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Cyprus with this traditional dish - Dolmades. These delectable stuffed grape leaves offer a tantalizing blend of rice, herbs, and spices, wrapped in tender grape leaves and cooked to perfection. Served as appetizers or mains, Cyprus Dolmades promise a burst of Mediterranean goodness in every bite. Learn how to craft this culinary masterpiece and bring the taste of Cyprus to your table today!

Ingredients:

For the grape leaves:

• 1 jar of preserved grape leaves (about 40-50 leaves)
• Water for rinsing

For the filling:

• 1 cup of short-grain rice (such as Arborio or sushi rice)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of pine nuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup of currants or raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For cooking:

• Water or vegetable broth
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice

Instructions:

1- Prepare the grape leaves: Rinse the preserved grape leaves under cold water to remove excess salt. Gently separate the leaves and place them in a large bowl of water. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes to soften. Drain and set aside.

2- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice, chopped onion, tomatoes, parsley, mint, pine nuts, and currants (if using). Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine.

3- Assemble the dolmades: Lay a grape leaf flat on a clean surface, shiny side down, with the stem facing you. Place about a tablespoon of the filling near the stem end of the leaf. Fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly to form a neat cylinder. Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling.

4- Cook the dolmades: Line the bottom of a large pot with a few grape leaves to prevent sticking. Arrange the rolled dolmades in the pot, seam side down, in a single layer. Place them snugly next to each other to prevent unraveling during cooking. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

5- Add enough water or vegetable broth to the pot to cover the dolmades completely. Place a heatproof plate or lid on top of the dolmades to keep them submerged during cooking.

6- Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the dolmades cook for about 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the grape leaves are soft.

7- Once cooked, remove the dolmades from the pot using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature, drizzled with extra olive oil and lemon juice if desired. Enjoy your authentic Cyprus Dolmades!

Nutritional Value:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Cyprus Dolmades recipe:

Grape Leaves (40-50 leaves):

• Calories: 5-10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1-2 g
• Fiber: 1-2 g
• Protein: <1 g
• Fat: <1 g
• Sodium: Varies depending on preservation method

benefits:Grape leaves are rich in antioxidants and vitamin K. They also contain minerals like calcium and iron.

Short-grain Rice (1 cup, cooked):

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits: Rice provides energy, is low in fat, and contains some essential nutrients like manganese and selenium.

Onion (1 large):

• Calories: 60 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 5 mg

benefits: Onions are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They also have anti-inflammatory properties.

Tomatoes (2 medium):

• Calories: 50 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 10 mg

benefits: Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene. They may help improve heart health and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Fresh Parsley (1/2 cup, chopped):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 10 mg

benefits: Parsley is high in vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may support bone health.

Fresh Mint (1/4 cup, chopped):

• Calories: 1-5 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0-1 g
• Fiber: 0-1 g
• Protein: 0-1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits: Mint has digestive benefits, can alleviate nausea, and may help relieve headaches. It also contains antioxidants and has antibacterial properties.

Pine Nuts (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits: Pine nuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They also provide essential minerals like magnesium and zinc.

Currants or Raisins (1/4 cup, optional):

• Calories: 120-130 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
• Fiber: 2-3 g
• Protein: 1-2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 5-10 mg

benefits: Currants and raisins provide natural sweetness and are a source of energy. They also contain fiber and antioxidants.

Olive Oil (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 54 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It may help reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation.

Lemon Juice (Juice of 1 lemon):

• Calories: 5-10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2-3 g
• Fiber: 0-1 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits: Lemon juice is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. It may aid digestion, support skin health, and boost immunity.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific brands of ingredients used and variations in preparation methods.