Quinoa and Vegetable Dolmas are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean. Made with quinoa, vegetables, and fresh herbs, these dolmas are a great vegetarian main course or side dish. They're also perfect for meal prep, as they can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to eat.
Dolmas are a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with grape leaves stuffed with rice, vegetables, and herbs. The earliest known dolmas date back to the Ottoman Empire, and they have since become a popular dish in many countries around the world. Quinoa is a relatively new addition to the dolma family, but it's a great choice for a healthy and flavorful filling. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all of the essential amino acids that our bodies need. It's also a good source of fiber, iron, and magnesium. The vegetables in these dolmas add flavor, color, and nutrients. Bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C, while sun-dried tomatoes are a good source of antioxidants. Parsley and mint add freshness and flavor to the dolmas.
Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, mint, oregano, and salt. Stir until well combined.
Spread the quinoa mixture onto the grape leaves. Roll up the grape leaves tightly, and place them in a baking dish. Pour the chicken broth over the dolmas.
Bake the dolmas for 20-25 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through.
Serve the dolmas hot or cold.
Why It Works
Quinoa is a good source of protein and fiber, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
The vegetables in the dolmas add flavor, color, and nutrients.
The fresh herbs add freshness and flavor to the dolmas.
The dolmas can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to eat, making them a great option for meal prep.