Making dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) for the first time (ingredients, chicken, dressing)

[fnord]

There's tons of recipes online, I'm going to use this one:

Dolmas Recipe

Dolmas are soooo good. I usually order them when I visit a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurant. Typically you'll get 4-5 dolmas for around $5 - I'm going to make a batch of 40 or so and bring them to work to share. Ingredients cost: roughly $7. I bought a jar of grape leaves for $4.79, and aside from the pine nuts, I already have everything else.

Any tips from anyone who's made these before?

[Flamingo13]

Is that another name for dolmados? (sp?) - never heard it called Dolmas. Good luck making them (I LOVE good ones).

[skbs]

I love Dolmas.... order them often at a local Greek place.... I am interested in how they turn out and the difficulty level..... let us know how it works out for you....

[arsbadmojo]

Use fresh lemon juice instead of a reconstituted product. I sometimes make them with collard greens instead of grape leaves; they're in season now, you just boil them in salt/vinegar water for 10 minutes or so. You've got to cut out some of the thicker ribs, but I think it's a nice twist on the theme.

[fnord]

arsbadmojo, that's a great idea - especially since I'm growing a bunch of different leafy greens in my garden right now. I've delayed making the dolmas because the recipe I found called for pine nuts and when I went to the store to get some they were so expensive I said "forget it". Going to find another recipe without pine nuts.

[Truly Heartless]

I have been craving them today dog gone it! Just saw this thread. I have made these several times. The key ingredient is a bath bake in chicken stock and don't forget the vinegar if you don't have lemon on hand. Some people just put italian dressing in their dolmas, but there are so many variations on this theme you should feel free to improvise! BTW, have any leftovers?

[mommytotwo]

Originally Posted by fnord

arsbadmojo, that's a great idea - especially since I'm growing a bunch of different leafy greens in my garden right now. I've delayed making the dolmas because the recipe I found called for pine nuts and when I went to the store to get some they were so expensive I said "forget it". Going to find another recipe without pine nuts.

They are not as bad if you get them at a wholesale club.

You can freeze them, and they are GREAT in pesto.

I have come to love stuffed grape leaves. I have never made them, but I've seen my SIL make them.

The recipe sounds similar to hers, though I know she adds fresh dill as well.

You would not believe the gadget she has to make these things.

you can see it on this website:

http://cafefernando.com/stuffed-vine...dolma-machine/

from the comments section (on 'chowhound'), regarding how to get one:
"Belal on May 28th, 2008
I kept looking for that machine on the net and I gave up , then I called a Mediterranean Arabic Syrian store and they have it , I just bought one today its great the name of the store is Al Nouri in Paterson , New Jersey , their phone number is 1-973 -279 2388 and I am sure they will ship it, the cost was $30 ."
Dolmades/ Stuffed Grape Leaves Help! - Home Cooking - Chowhound

I am going to look into this myself, because I would love to have an easy and quick way to make grape leaves. Yum!