The Right Way To Eat Canned Dolmas For The Uninitiated

When to rinse canned dolmas and how to store them

Some canned dolmas are packed in a salty brine, which enhances their texture and adds extra flavor. Therefore, it's essential to give them a quick rinse to remove any excess sodium or brackishness. To do this, simply drain the liquid, place the dolmas in a colander or sieve, and gently run cool water over them. Be careful during this process, as the leaves are fragile and can easily tear or fall apart if not handled with care.

The stuffed variety of canned dolmas is typically preserved in oil instead of brine. In this case, you can drain most of the liquid without needing to rinse the dolmas. The oil is often infused with additional flavors like herbs or hot sauce, so it’s advisable to keep some for added taste.

If you don’t plan to consume all the canned dolmas at once, it’s important to store them properly. This involves placing them in a tightly sealed, food-safe container in the refrigerator, along with any remaining liquids to prevent them from drying out (which is particularly relevant for dolmas that need rinsing). When stored this way, they can be safely enjoyed for up to four days after opening. Unopened cans, on the other hand, can be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for about a year.

Delicious ways to enjoy canned dolmas

Canned dolmas are undoubtedly delicious on their own, but they can easily be transformed into something extraordinary. Some of the simplest ways to enhance these treats include serving them with a bowl of cool, creamy tzatziki (or your preferred dip), giving them a quick microwave heat, or warming them in a covered dish in the oven, followed by a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of tahini (or both). You could also chop them finely and mix them into pita or a salad featuring lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta, tabbouleh, and other complementary ingredients.

Some chefs even incorporate dolmas into hearty soups, while others choose to bread and fry them! If you really want to elevate your grape leaf experience, think about adding these cylindrical delights to a cheeseboard or mezze platter alongside pita, hummus, and olives — perhaps with a glass or two of wine. We’re definitely feeling some festive Dionysian vibes, how about you?