Ingredients:
● A package of grape leaves – choose the ones that are tender and fresh.
● One pound of ground beef or lamb – you can also use a mixture of pork and beef for a different taste.
● One cup of white rice – make sure your rice is rinsed and drained.
● One large onion – finely chopped.
● Two large tomatoes – chopped.
● Half a cup of parsley – finely chopped.
● Half a cup of mint – finely chopped.
● Four cloves of garlic – minced.
● Two tablespoons of tomato paste.
● Half a cup of lemon juice.
● Half a cup of olive oil.
● One teaspoon of salt.
● One teaspoon of black pepper.
● Water – as needed.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Grape Leaves
Rinse the leaves under cold running water to remove any dust or dirt. Then, blanch the grape leaves in boiling water for five minutes to soften them. After blanching, transfer the grape leaves to a bowl of ice-cold water to cool down.
Step 2: Making the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, rice, chopped onions, tomatoes, parsley, mint, garlic, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Rolling the Dolma
Lay a grape leaf on a clean surface with the stem facing you. Spoon a tablespoon of the filling onto the center of the leaf. Start rolling the leaf from the bottom up, tucking the sides in as you go. You should have a neat little parcel. Continue filling and rolling the grape leaves until you run out of the stuffing mixture.
Step 4: Cooking the Dolma
Line the bottom of a large pot with unused grape leaves. Arrange the stuffed grape leaves in layers in the pot, packing them tightly so they don’t unravel during cooking. Once you’ve filled up the pot, pour the lemon juice and olive oil over the dolma, then add enough water to cover the stuffed leaves. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, and simmer the dolma for about 45 minutes or until the rice is cooked through.
Step 5: Serving the Dolma
Serve the dolma hot with a drizzle of lemon juice over the top. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs or toasted pine nuts, depending on your preference.
Conclusion:
Dolma is a delicious and nutritious meal that will delight everyone at the table. It’s easy to make with a few simple ingredients and can be customized to your taste. From the traditional meat-based version to vegetarian variations with fillings like lentils, beans, and nuts, there’s always a dolma recipe to suit every preference. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy making this classic Mediterranean dish.