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Keto Greek Dolmades with Cauliflower Rice and Beef

Instant Pot Greek Dolmades

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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, greek
Calories 50 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker
  • Instant Pot Mesh Basket
  • Optional: Large dutch oven (stovetop method). See cooking notes above.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Jar Grape Leaves  400g Drained Weight, Stems Trimmed. Recipe uses approx. 2/3 of jar.

Filling

  • 750 grams Ground Beef
  • 500 Grams Frozen Cauliflower Rice Steamed and Drained.
  • 175 grams Diced White Onion
  • 175 grams Diced Fennel Bulb Optional.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Chopped Dill Or 1 tsp dried.
  • 1 tsp Dried Mint Optional.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt Or to taste.
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper Or to taste.
  • 3-4 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth Or water.
  • 2 Large Eggs

Broth

  • 6 Cups  Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth or Water
  • 1/3 Cup Olive Oil
  • Juice of 1 Lemon
  • 2-3 Lemons Sliced.

Instructions
 

  • To start, steam the cauliflower in the microwave according to the package directions. Allow to cool and squeeze out excess moisture with a kitchen towel.
  • Prepare the filling by mixing together all of the filling ingredients - cauliflower rice, ground beef, fennel, onion, eggs and spices.
  • Lay the grape leaves flat and cut off the stem.
  • Add about 1-2 tbsp of the mixture (depending on the size of the grape leaf) to the grape leave and roll tightly (like a burrito!). Set aside and repeat.
  • Method 1 (Without Steam Basket): Layer bottom of the pot with olive oil and a few grape leaves to prevent the dolmades from burning.
    Method 2 (With Steam Basket) Preferred Method: Place a few grape leaves on the steam basket.
  • Arrange the dolmades tightly, filling the bottom of the pot (or steam basket). Top the row with sliced lemons and repeat layering the dolmades in the opposite direction. Repeat until complete.
  • Top the dolmades with a plate. This will keep the dolmades from unraveling during the cooking process.
  • Fill the pot with the chicken broth until all of the dolmades are covered.
  • Set the instant pot to high pressure and cook for 25 minutes. Once the grape leaves are done cooking, allow for a natural release, approx. 15 minutes.
  • Removing the Stuffed Grape Leaves:
    Method 1 (Without Steam Basket): Holding the plate tightly to the dolmades. strain the liquid from the pot, being careful to not drop any dolmades.
    Method 2 (With Steam Basket) Preferred Method: Carefully lift the basket with the dolmades to strain the liquid. Remove from the instant pot and set aside.
    Method 3: Use tongs to remove the grape leaves. Be very careful with this method as the stuffed grape leaves are more unlikely to unroll.
  • Let the grape leaves sit for 15-20 minutes to set and slightly cool so that they do not unravel when eating.
  • Serve as an appetizer or a main dish with tzatziki, enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition Information: Per Dolmades (Makes Approx. 52 Dolmades)
  • 50 Calories
  • 1.5g Carbohydrates
  • 0.8g Fiber
  • 3.5g Fat 
  • 3.7g Protein 
Net Carbs: 0.7g / Dolma