Vegetable Dolmas with Quinoa and Herbs

These vegetarian dolmas are a great way to use up leftover quinoa and vegetables. The filling is flavorful and satisfying, and the grape leaves add a nice touch of elegance. Plus, they're super easy to make, so you can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in no time.

Dolmas are a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with grape leaves stuffed with rice, vegetables, and herbs. They can be made with a variety of different fillings, but this vegetarian version is a great way to enjoy the flavors of dolmas without the meat. The quinoa adds a nice nutty flavor and texture, and the vegetables add sweetness and crunch. The grape leaves add a nice touch of elegance, and they also help to keep the dolmas moist and flavorful.

Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 60 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes

Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve.
2. Cook the quinoa according to package directions.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the bell pepper and zucchini and cook until softened, about 5 minutes more.
6. Stir in the parsley, mint, and cooked quinoa.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Stuff the grape leaves with the quinoa mixture.

Why It Works

• The quinoa adds a nice nutty flavor and texture to the dolmas.
• The vegetables add sweetness and crunch to the dolmas.
• The grape leaves add a nice touch of elegance to the dolmas.
• The grape leaves also help to keep the dolmas moist and flavorful.