Kurdish Dolma with Fragrant Rice (Print view)

Tender grape leaves stuffed with herbed rice, perfect for any gathering.

# Ingredient List:

→ Filling ingredients

01 - 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 - 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
05 - 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
06 - 2 medium tomatoes, finely diced
07 - 1/4 cup olive oil
08 - 1 tsp ground allspice
09 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
10 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
11 - Juice of 1 lemon

→ Assembling & Cooking

12 - 1 jar grape leaves in brine, rinsed
13 - 1 cup vegetable stock or water
14 - 2 tbsp olive oil
15 - Juice of 1 lemon
16 - Slices from 1 large tomato or potato

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, combine rice, onion, parsley, dill, mint, tomatoes, olive oil, allspice, pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well.
02 - Lay each grape leaf shiny side down. Place 1–2 teaspoons of filling at the stem end. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly into a cigar shape.
03 - Line the bottom of a heavy saucepan with tomato or potato slices to prevent sticking.
04 - Arrange the stuffed grape leaves seam side down, tightly packed, in layers in the saucepan.
05 - Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Pour in stock or water to almost cover the dolmas.
06 - Place a heatproof plate on top to prevent unrolling. Cover with a lid. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook over low heat for 45–50 minutes, until leaves are tender and rice is cooked.
07 - Let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature, with yogurt if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • These dolma are not just a recipe; they are a celebration of flavors and friendships.
  • They're strikingly beautiful and make any meal feel special, especially when shared among loved ones.
02 -
  • Don’t rush the rolling; a tight roll keeps the filling intact and the flavors locked in.
  • If you want to experiment, adding pine nuts or currants introduces an unexpected sweetness.
03 -
  • A splash of vinegar in the cooking liquid adds a unique zing.
  • Using homemade stock elevates the overall taste significantly.
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