Stuffed Vine Leaves (Dolmadakia Yalantzi)

EXECUTION

1. We boil the vine leaves for 3-4΄ in hot water, remove them with a skimmer and let them cool.
2. We mince the onions and saute them in 3 tablespoons olive oil over low heat until they become soft.
3. In a bowl, we place the rice, sauteed onions and minced scallions, parsley, dill and mint; we add the salt and pepper and we stir well.
4. To make the dolmadakia, we use a wide saucepan, and cover its bottom with a layer of vine leaves, using the less tender ones.
5. On a cutting board, we open 1 vine leave, place 1 tablespoon of the stuffing inside and roll the vine leaf without tightening it.
6. We repeat the process until we use up the ingredients and place the dolmadakia one next to the other.
7. We pour 500 ml. warm water over the dolmadakia, add the salt and pepper, and the lemon juice and olive oil over them.
8. We cover the dolmadakia with a plate and boil them over low heat, for approx. 1 hour, until the water evaporates and only their oil remains.
9. The dolmadakia are served cold or hot.