Grape Leaf Dolma with Pomegranate-Lemon Syrup
Tender grape leaves filled with aromatic rice, herbs, currants, and pine nuts, then braised and finished with a lightly sweet pomegranate-lemon syrup.
Instructions
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Step 1
Rinse the grape leaves thoroughly. Blanch them in boiling water until pliable, then drain and cool.
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Step 2
Heat 45 ml olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and pine nuts and cook until the onion softens and the nuts are lightly golden.
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Step 3
Stir in the rice, currants, 250 ml water, 3 gr salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and allspice. Cover and cook over low heat until the water is absorbed and the rice is only partially tender.
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Step 4
Transfer the rice mixture to a bowl and fold in the parsley, dill, and mint. Let the filling cool until comfortable to handle.
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Step 5
Coat the bottom of a wide pot with 15 ml olive oil. Place filling near the stem end of each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll snugly; arrange the rolls seam-side down in compact layers.
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Step 6
Add 400 ml water, 25 ml lemon juice, 3 gr salt, and 30 ml olive oil. Set a heatproof plate over the dolma, cover the pot, bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then cook over low heat until the rice and leaves are tender.
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Step 7
Combine 100 ml water and 20 ml lemon juice with the sugar and pomegranate molasses in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes lightly syrupy.
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Step 8
Rest the cooked dolma in the covered pot, then arrange them on a platter. Spoon the cooled syrup over them and serve warm or at room temperature.