Baked Dolmas in Tomato Sauce
If there’s a dish that takes me straight back to family gatherings growing up, it’s baked dolmas in tomato sauce. my aunt would make this great appetizer for parties, and it was always a BIG hit. The tangy grape leaves, stuffed with savory rice and herbs, covered in a warm, garlicky red sauce, make the best crowd-pleasing dish.
Servings: 4
Calories: 479kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil flavorless or olive
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pinch sea salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 pinch sugar optional if the sauce tastes too acidic
- 1 can tomatoes sauce
- 12 dolmas 14-oz. can or homemade
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Start your sauce by heating the oil over medium/medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until beyond translucent and it starts to get golden brown. Add the garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Once the garlic looks cooked but is not yet brown, add the tomato sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning. If it tastes too acidic, add a pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes acidic. Once the tomatoes are brought to temperature lower the heat to simmer covered for 10 minutes. If a smoother consistency is desired, blend the sauce. Turn off the heat.
- Optional: Transfer the tomato sauce to a baking dish. Add the dolmas to the baking dish or keep them in the oven-safe pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
Notes
Prep ahead tip: You can get it ready for the oven (in it's baking dish), cover it, and bake it for 20 minutes before your guests arrive. Just let it come to room temperature and pop it in the oven before your guests get there.
You can blend the sauce if you are looking for a smoother finish...I personally prefer the sauce a little chunky.
Instead of making your own sauce, make this a 2-ingredient recipe with a can of dolmas and a jar of your favorite pasta sauce!
Nutrition
Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 567mg | Potassium: 849mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1470IU | Vitamin C: 22.5mg | Calcium: 585mg | Iron: 1.4mg
