Dolmades are a classic Greek dish, known for their flavorful rice filling wrapped in a tender grape leaf. While they may look complicated, making dolmades at home is easier than you think! Impress your friends and family with this authentic recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 jar grape leaves (16 oz)
• 1 cup uncooked medium-grain white rice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the grape leaves by rinsing them in cold water and removing the stems.
3. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the rice, parsley, mint, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
5. Add 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
6. Take a grape leaf and place it shiny-side-down on a flat surface. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the rice mixture onto the leaf, spreading it out in a thin layer.
7. Fold the bottom edge of the leaf up over the rice, then fold the sides in toward the center, and roll the leaf up tightly. Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and rice mixture.
8. Place the stuffed grape leaves seam-side-down in a baking dish. Pour 1/4 cup of lemon juice over the top.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the grape leaves are tender and the rice is fully cooked.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.