Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (2024)

13 Comments Affiliate Disclosure

333 Shares

Growing up, my mom would occasionally bring out the family recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls and my younger sister and I would help her roll the cabbage leaves. My sister and I interpreted theresponsibility of this task with solemnity and reverence. With diligence andfocus, wefell into a silent meditation while rolling up cabbage leaves.

Preparing thesepaleo dolmas brought me back to that memory. It could seem tedious to roll up grape leave after grape leave by myself, but I found my hands weaving in a meditative dance between the plate, the jar of grape leaves, and the bowl of lamb filling. The repetitionstilled my mind and brought me into the moment. Before I knew it, I had rolled nearly 40 leaves by myself.

This recipe reminded me that cookingis more than food preparation. It is a pathway to creativity, meditation, generosity, love and community.

About the Paleo Dolmas ingredients

Ground lamb is the traditional meat for dolmas, but you could substitute lean (not extra lean) ground beef.

Pine nuts, again, are the traditional option but you can substitute a nut which you tolerate. I used macadamia nuts because I had them on hand.

Fresh mint and fresh lemon createadd vibrant flavor and cut through the richness of the lamb, nuts, and olive oil. Dried mint or packaged lemon juice would absolutely not do justice in this recipe.

Grape leaves come packed in a jarare now available in almost any well-stockedgrocery store.

Print

Paleo Dolmas Recipe

Author:Lauren

Serves:A lot... about 40 dolmas

These bite-sized morsels, inspired by the traditional Greek version, feature cauliflower rice instead of white rice. Currants, mint, and lemon add bright flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbs. ghee or coconut oil
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • ¾ head cauliflower, riced (see note) to make about 4 cups riced cauliflower
  • 2 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
  • 1 lb. ground lamb
  • 3 Tbs. currants
  • 3 Tbs. pine nuts (or a nut you tolerate, I used chopped macadamia nuts)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ tsp. sea salt
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 jar grape leaves
  • 2 Tbs. olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a saute pan over medium heat, saute the onion in the ghee until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl with your hands, combine the riced cauliflower, cooked onion, mint, lamb, currants, nuts, garlic cloves, and salt. Add the juice of ½ the lemon (2 Tbs. juice). Combine well.
  3. To roll the dolmas, place a flattened grape leaf vein-side up. Place a packed tablespoon, more or less, of filling at the base of the leaf (see images above). Then, holding the filling in place, fold in the sides of the leaf and roll it up.
  4. As you make the dolmas, place them seam-side down in a large pot. Pack tightly to create a layer. If you have enough for two layers, make another layer.
  5. Drizzle the dolmas with the juice of the other half lemon and the olive oil. Add water to the pot to just fully cover the dolmas.
  6. Find a plate that fits the width of the pot, and place it over the dolmas to weight them down during cooking. If you use a salad place, you may need to double-stack it to provide adequate weight.
  7. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes.
  8. Serve dolmas warm or chilled. If storing them in the fridge before serving, place them in a container and spoon over some of the cooking water to keep them moist.

Notes

To make cauliflower rice, cut your cauliflower into florets. Then, place the florets in a food processor or blender. I use my Ninja blender (which is a more affordable alternative to a Vitamix) with the food processor attachment. Pulse until the cauliflower crumbles resemble rice. For this recipe, err on the side of smaller rather than larger rice "grains."

Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (2)

333 Shares

You may also enjoy

  • How Can INTUITIVE EATING Change Your Life?
  • Paleo Peppermint Patties (Just Four Ingredients!)
  • Ginger and Fennel Coconut Flour Cookies
  • 3 Signs Your Food Problems Are Actually Spiritual Problems

Reader Interactions

13 Comments

  1. Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (7)Manu

    It looks amazing, we do something very similar in Romania. We call them ” sarmale ” . Please search ” sarmale cu vita de vie ” it looks exactly the same.

    reply to this comment

  2. Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (8)Marsha

    Everyone is using coconut oil, but through many tests and of course my own GI tract, I just can not use it, and even on my skin I develop a redness. So clarified butter and olive oil are my go to oil, even though they say not to heat up the olive oil, any other suggestions?

    Marsha

    reply to this comment

    • Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (9)Melissa

      Olive oil is the best for theses types of recipes! The Turks, Greeks, and Lebanese will probably agree. ????

      reply to this comment

  3. Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (10)Anna

    Can these be made using cabbage leaves instead of grape leaves? If so, how should they be prepped? Thank you, this looks like a recipe I would like to prepare and enjoy eating! ~ I, too, have improved my health by changing the way I eat. Thank you for all you do to educate us.

    reply to this comment

    • Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (11)Natalia

      Hi Anna,
      They can be steamed or boiled until tender before you roll them. Hope this helps,
      Natalia.

      reply to this comment

      • Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (12)Ellie

        I always cut off the stems! Another things I do is make dolmades (what we call them) tender is freeze them in a tray, well covered w/foil. After a good freeze, thaw and then bake them in preheated 350 degree oven. Usually takes about an hour. Yes, bake them. You can rest easier that they won’t burn. Have been doing it this way for a decade, and. Any believe I didn’t do it sooner.

        reply to this comment

  4. Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (13)Judy

    Do you have the nutritional values for these? I’m a diabetic and watch of course my carbs and sugar?

    reply to this comment

    • Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (14)Laura

      Hi Judy,

      This recipe is low carb with meat, veggies, and cauliflower instead of rice. The currants, i.e. dried fruit, are high sugar, so either make sure they contain no added sugar, decrease the amount, or omit entirely. However, the amount of currants is negligible for the recipe.

      I’m willing to bet that everything Lauren posts on this site is great for diabetics. She follows the paleo AIP which is low carb/sugar.

      reply to this comment

  5. Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (15)Judy

    Is there a replacement for currants? Or would you just omit for a diabetic?

    reply to this comment

  6. Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (16)Shana

    Made these tonight. Did not weigh down the plate enough at first, but they seem intact. Will let you know how they turn out tomorrow!

    reply to this comment

  7. Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (17)Janey

    Made these tonight added chopped dates instead of currents. Tasted amazing. I love dolmas haven’t had them in a very long time. Because of the rice the cauliflower is a great subtution.

    reply to this comment

  8. Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (18)Darcy

    Is the meat already cooked when you assemble? Or is it raw?

    reply to this comment

  9. Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (19)Tara

    I’m wondering if brown palm rice (palmini brand) can be substituted for the cauliflower rice?

    reply to this comment

Leave a Comment

Easy Paleo Dolmas Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a substitute for grape leaves in dolmas? ›

Young leaves from grape vines are the preferred leaf to use for dolma. Grape leaves can be found in many markets in jars near the pickled products. If you can't find brined grape leaves, collard greens or Swiss chard are good substitutes.

Are rice dolmas healthy? ›

The typical Dolma filling, which includes whole grains like rice, contributes to a high fiber intake, promoting digestive health and aiding in blood sugar regulation. Additionally, the inclusion of fresh herbs like dill, mint, and parsley not only enhances the flavor but also adds a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Can I use my own grape leaves for dolmas? ›

If using fresh grape leaves: wash them very well and blanch them in boiling hot water. Remove from water using a slotted spoon and place them in a colander to fully cool and drain. 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.

Are dolmas and dolmades the same? ›

I have wondered about the difference in the two names so did a bit of research. And, it's not rocket science. Based on various sources, dolmas OR dolmades is just the plural form of dolma.

What is a substitute for dolma leaves? ›

You can use raspberry leaves, cabbage leaves. There is also a vegetable dolma. In this case уou stuff eggplants, tomatoes, pepper and cabbage leaves with meat. Cabbage leaves should be blanched before.

What can you use instead of grape leaves? ›

Try also replacing the vine leaves with cabbage leaves (you will also have to change the spice combination); and, instead of rice, try using burghul.

Are dolmas healthy for weight loss? ›

Dolmades

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.

Are canned dolmas safe to eat? ›

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.

Are canned stuffed grape leaves good for you? ›

Our handpicked vine leaves are high in fiber, yet low in calories, while loaded with vitamins A and K. If you're tired of peas or broccoli, you're in luck – canned dolmas are a healthy & herby vegetable substitute, excellent for all occasions.

How to prep grape leaves for dolmas? ›

Bring a large pot of unsalted water to a rolling boil and fill a large bowl two-thirds of the way full of ice water. Plunge the leaves in the boiling water and cook for one to two minutes, drain, and immediately transfer to the ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and lightly pat them dry before using.

How do you brine grape leaves for dolmas? ›

Preserved Grape Leaves

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add salt, stir until salt is dissolved. Place the rolls of grape leaves in a clean and sterilized jar. Pour the hot brine over the grape leaves and screw on the lid. Place the grape leaves in the fridge, they will be ready for use in two weeks.

Which country invented dolma? ›

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.

How do you eat Trader Joe's dolmas? ›

Enjoy them cold, as a snack, or serve them warm with a dipping sauce – Tzatziki, lemon tahini (tahini, lemon juice & garlic - blended), or greek yogurt & fresh dill – for an iconic meze. They pair well with a dry white, like a Sauvignon Blanc.

What is the difference between Greek and Turkish dolmades? ›

Dolma in Turkish, dolmades in Greek. The Turkish version will often contain dried fruit from their Ottoman legacy while the Greek will contain fennel and mint. Moussaka is another dish with claims to both nations. In Turkey, it is sautéed and served in the style of a casserole, and consumed warm or at room temperature.

Is dolma Greek or Arab? ›

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!

Can you use any vine leaves for dolmades? ›

If you've got a grapevine growing in your garden, you will be able to use fresh vine leaves all summer to make dolmades or baked feta. If you're not so lucky, you can purchase preserved vine leaves in vinegar which work just as well. Simply rinse them well and trim off the stems.

What are the best leaves for dolma? ›

When cooking, it's important to use the correct ingredients, which is why many people ask, which grape varieties are best for making dolmades? The Sultana grape, also known as the Thompson seedless, is best grape variety with edible leaves used in making dolmades.

Can you substitute fig leaves for grape leaves? ›

You can make dolmades, or stuffed grape leaves, with fig leaves in place of the grape leaves. And you can wrap them around whole fish or fillets, then grill, roast or steam, for an aromatic main course.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Horacio Brakus JD

Last Updated:

Views: 6252

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Horacio Brakus JD

Birthday: 1999-08-21

Address: Apt. 524 43384 Minnie Prairie, South Edda, MA 62804

Phone: +5931039998219

Job: Sales Strategist

Hobby: Sculling, Kitesurfing, Orienteering, Painting, Computer programming, Creative writing, Scuba diving

Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.