Traditional Grape Leaf Dolma Recipe

Explore our step-by-step traditional grape leaf dolma recipe for a delightful taste of Turkish cuisine! In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make delicious dolmas filled with rice, spices, and fresh herbs. Discover the preparation steps now and treat your loved ones to a flavorful feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 1/4 cup of pine nuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup of currants (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• 1/2 bunch of parsley, chopped
• 1/2 bunch of dill, chopped
• 1/2 bunch of fresh mint, chopped
• 1 cup of hot water
• Brined grape leaves for wrapping (if using fresh leaves, boil them beforehand)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water and drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent.
3. Optionally, add pine nuts and currants, and continue sautéing until the nuts are lightly browned.
4. Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and sauté until the rice grains turn translucent.
5. Add the chopped herbs, salt, and black pepper, and stir well. Remove from heat and let it cool.
6. If using brined grape leaves, rinse them in warm water to remove excess salt. If using fresh leaves, blanch them in boiling water briefly and then drain.
7. Trim the stems of the grape leaves. Place a spoonful of the rice mixture onto each leaf and fold them into parcels.
8. Arrange the rolled dolmas in a pot, seam side down. Pour hot water over them.
9. Place a heavy plate or lid on top to keep them submerged. Cook over low heat for about 30-40 minutes.
10. Once cooked, remove from heat and let them cool.
11. Before serving, garnish with lemon slices.

Enjoy your meal!

With this traditional grape leaf dolma recipe, you can treat your loved ones to a delicious taste of Turkish cuisine.

If you want to check out the history of this dish, take a look at this link: SARMA