Dolma
Veg
Vegan
Vine leaves or peppers stuffed with herbed rice, pine nuts, and currants — slow-cooked in olive oil and lemon until tender, served cold as a mezze or warm with yogurt.
Cuisines
Turkish
Best for
Lunch
Dinner
Recipe
Prep: 30 min
Cook: 40 min
Total: 70 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
|
1/2 cup | Rice , raw |
|
1 tablespoon | Olive oil |
|
1 small | Onion , finely chopped |
|
1 tablespoon | Pine Nut |
|
1 tablespoon | Currant |
|
1 tablespoon | Tomato paste |
|
1 teaspoon | Mint , dried |
|
1 teaspoon | Allspice , ground |
|
1 teaspoon | Cinnamon |
|
1 teaspoon | Sugar |
|
— | Salt , to taste |
|
— | Black Pepper , to taste |
|
10-12 | Grape Leaf , rinsed and drained |
|
1 cup | Water |
|
1 tablespoon | Lemon juice |
Instructions
- 1 Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
- 2 In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft.
- 3 Add the pine nuts and currants, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- 4 Stir in the tomato paste, dried mint, allspice, cinnamon, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- 5 Add the rice and mix well to coat with the spices.
- 6 Pour in 1/2 cup of water, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 10 minutes until the water is absorbed.
- 7 Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- 8 Lay a grape leaf flat, shiny side down. Place a spoonful of the rice mixture near the stem end.
- 9 Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- 10 Place the dolmas seam side down in a saucepan. Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of water and lemon juice over them.
- 11 Cover with a plate to keep them in place, then cover the pan with a lid.
- 12 Simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the leaves are tender and the rice is cooked.
- 13 Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips
For a more authentic flavor, use fresh grape leaves if available, and serve with a side of yogurt.