Some recipes instantly smell like home, summer and family gatherings.
For me, dolmadakia are exactly that.
A simple, peaceful recipe full of Greek aromas, written in my mother’s old notebook and prepared countless times in kitchens filled with voices, lemon and olive oil 🌿
This is our vegan version with tender vine leaves, fresh herbs and plenty of lemon — perfect for a summer table or a quiet lunch with some vegan Greek-style yogurt on the side.
🌿 Another delicious and beloved vegan recipe that isn’t modern or complicated, but deeply traditional, Greek and Mediterranean — made with simple ingredients, herbs and love.
Ingredients
• Short-grain rice (about 1 level tablespoon for each dolma)
• Fresh and dry onion
• 1/2 bunch fresh dill
• 1/2 bunch fresh mint or 1 tablespoon dried mint
• Salt & freshly ground pepper
• Olive oil (enough so the filling is neither too oily nor too dry)
• Around 100 tender vine leaves
• Vine leaf stems for the bottom of the pot or baking paper
• 2-3 fresh lemons, sliced
Instructions
Soak the cleaned and washed vine leaves in hot water for 1-2 minutes, then carefully separate them one by one.
Line the bottom of a pot with baking paper or the vine stems.
Wash and drain the rice well.
Combine all filling ingredients — except the lemons — in a large bowl and mix well.
Start wrapping the dolmadakia one by one and place them tightly next to each other inside the pot, creating two or three layers depending on the quantity.
Arrange the lemon slices on top.
Cover everything with a plate so the dolmadakia stay compact while cooking. If available, place a clean stone on top for extra weight and stability.
Carefully pour hot water into the pot until it reaches the height of the plate and simmer gently for about 30 minutes.
Once cooked, remove from the heat and pour over the juice of two lemons mixed with a little extra olive oil.
Let them rest for a while before serving.
Serve with vegan Greek-style yogurt and extra lemon on the side 🌿
Little tip ✨
Dolmadakia taste even better the next day after absorbing all the lemon and olive oil.
They are also perfect for lunchboxes, picnics or even a peaceful beach day 🌿
