Deconstructed Dolmades (Unstuffed Grape Leaves)

My family loves my dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) but they are a bit too much effort for a weeknight dinner. I recently tried deconstructing them and was very happy with the results. I hope you like them too.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 507 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• water to cover
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 6 cups chicken broth, or more as needed
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, or as needed
• 1 tablespoon dried mint
• ½ (9 ounce) jar grape leaves, drained and rinsed
• 2 ½ large lemons, juiced, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Soak rice in a bowl of cool water for 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 2

Coarsely chop the grape leaves and place in fresh water to soak.

Step 3

Heat a 2- to 3-quart pan over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease. Add broth, juice of 1 lemon, onion, parsley, olive oil, mint, dill, pepper, and salt. Drain grape leaves and add to the pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.

Step 4

Rinse and drain rice, then add to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, until tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Gradually add more chicken broth as needed keep liquid level above the meat-rice mixture. Be careful not to overcook the rice.

Step 5

Drain cooking liquid into another pan to make the sauce. Add remaining lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Mix in enough cornstarch until sauce resembles a medium-bodied gravy. Ladle sauce generously over the meat-rice mixture.