Greek Food, Cooking and Recipe Community

Dolmadakia with or without meat?

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axariotisxy

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What do you guys prefer? Dolmadakia with or without meat?

dolmadakia.jpg
 
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With meat always!! That's how my family has always made it and that's how I prefer it :) I've noticed that outside of Greece, many Greek restaurants have dolmadakia without meat which I find a bit strange
 
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mitch said:
With meat. I have had the other in a salad. I make mine with meat topped with a avgolemono sause over it.
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Avgolemono is the best! I love it on lahanodolmades too
 
I’m a meat eater but prefer Dolmadakia without meat. I live in the UK and grow my own vines, especially for making Dolmadakia. I normally use rice, finely chopped pine nuts, finely chopped dried fruit (for example, raisins), oregano, lemon juice, a little garlic. It works for me and my friends seem to love them!??
 
My Aunt Sofia is from the island of Kassos. Her dolmadakia are the best. Meat, rice, lemons, arigani and grapevine leaves. Each dolmadaki is the size of a teaspoon. Placed in saucepan, lots of lemon, water, plate on top, low heat.
This is how I think she makes them. Aunt Sofia is 90 and not very forthcoming with her recipes. Our loss.
 
I prefer dolmadakia with meat and avgolemono. It is my son's favorite dish and my wife cooks it often.
 
Definitely with the meat, but I admire a good vegan version that has been made well. When making at home, I only ever use the standard meat and rice filling. I season mine with onion, salt, pepper, and spearmint. Delicious! That reminds me - it is getting to be that time of year here in New England to pick the grape leaves!
 
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I'm curious how others approach this. Did you learn Greek cooking by watching your yiayia, mother, or other relatives? Do you measure ingredients, or do you just know when something looks, smells, or tastes right?

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