Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant and flavorful land of Iraq, where delectable dishes await your taste buds. Among the most beloved and iconic Iraqi specialties is the dolma, a delightful delicacy that combines the goodness of grape leaves with a savory filling. Prepare to be tantalized by a symphony of flavors as you explore the secrets of cooking dolma stuffed grape leaves, Iraqi style. Let's delve into the heart of this culinary masterpiece and discover the techniques and ingredients that make this dish an unforgettable experience.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
DOLMA (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES), IRAQI-STYLE
This Middle Eastern dish is a family favorite. The blend of the spices coupled with the tartness of the lemon makes it out of this world. This recipe has been passed down in my family for many years.
Provided by AngieInMichigan
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 2h
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Soak grape leaves in water for 20 minutes. Drain.
- Peel and slice carrots lengthwise and line bottom of pot with them. This helps keep the grape leaves from sticking to the pot.
- Soak rice in hot water for 10 minutes and drain. In a large bowl, combine rice, beef, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and all spices.
- Place each grape leaf shiny side down with stem end toward you on a flat surface. Cut off stem. Place 1 tbsp of rice mixture on leaf near the stem end. Roll top over once, fold ends in, and continue to roll completely (rolling away from you). Repeat with remaining leaves.
- Arrange rolled grape leaves in pot seam side down, tightly packed. Place each layer in opposite direction of previous layer, in a criss-cross fashion. For even cooking, try to have no more than 4 layers.
- Combine lemon juice and oil and pour over grape leaves. Top with water until approximately 1" below top layer.
- Place large plate on top, and place a heavy weight on plate (a foil-wrapped brick works great).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, until rice is thoroughly cooked. Allow to rest for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges or Greek yogurt. Enjoy!
DOLMAS (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES)
The spices may seem like a strange combination, but this is a wonderful, delicate traditional Turkish dish with a twist. Serve chilled, as is traditional, or warm, as desired. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over dolmas before serving.
Provided by WhirledPeas
Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onions until tender. Stir in rice and hot water to cover. Cover and simmer until rice is half cooked, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in tomato paste, currants, pine nuts, cinnamon, mint leaves, dill weed, allspice and cumin. Let mixture cool.
- Prepare a large pot by placing an inverted plate on the bottom; this protects the dolmas from direct heat when steaming.
- Rinse grape leaves in warm water; drain and cut off any stems. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cooled rice mixture in the center of a leaf. Fold in the sides and then roll into a cigar shape. Place in prepared pot. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Pour in just enough warm water to reach the bottom of the first layer of dolmas. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes, or until rice is totally cooked. Check the water level often and add more as necessary.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 207.4 calories, Carbohydrate 39.1 g, Fat 3.8 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 846.7 mg, Sugar 3.9 g
DOLMA (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES)
According to the owner of the local Turkish deli, this is how his wife makes her dolmas. I know that when I made them, I got a ton of complements.
Provided by Mysterygirl
Categories Turkish
Time 2h
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Sauté onions in olive oil in pan, add rice and add hot water to cover.
- Cover and simmer until rice is half cooked, about 10 minutes.
- Turn off heat, add tomato paste, currants, nuts, and spices. Let mixture cool.
- To prep the grape leaves, rinse in warm water and remove the stems.
- When rice mixture is cool, place 1 teaspoon or less in center of leaf, fold in right and left sides, then roll the leaf until you have a tiny 'cigar'.
- Place the dolma in a steamer pot.
- Repeat until all grape leaves and/or stuffing is finished.
- Add water to steamer cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes or until the rice inside the dolma is totally cooked.
- Traditionally this is served cold.
- Squeeze lemon over the dolma immediately before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 214.5, Fat 3.4, SaturatedFat 0.4, Sodium 1664, Carbohydrate 42.1, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 3.2, Protein 5.7
DOLMAS (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES)
Provided by Marian Burros
Categories dinner, project, appetizer
Time 1h
Yield About four dozen
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large bowl, mix together the pork, beef, onion, parsley, coriander, mint, rice and black pepper.
- Separate the grape leaves and rinse in warm water. Cut off the stems.
- Arrange 10 leaves in a heavy-bottomed pot to keep the dolmas from burning.
- Place each of the remaining leaves, shiny side down, on the counter. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each leaf and roll up. Fold the stem end over the filling. Then fold in the sides and continue rolling up. Stack the rolls, seam side down, on the grape leaves in the pot. When all the filling has been used up, pour the beef broth over the dolmas. Place a plate on top of the dolmas and bring the liquid to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes. Drain well.
- Serve at room temperature or cold with yogurt on the side.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 61, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 4 grams, Fat 3 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 60 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Choose fresh and tender grape leaves for the best results.
- If using canned grape leaves, rinse them thoroughly and soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them.
- To make the dolma easier to roll, blanch the grape leaves in boiling water for a few seconds before using.
- Use a variety of fillings to create different flavors and textures. Some popular fillings include rice, ground beef, lamb, vegetables, and nuts.
- Season the filling well with herbs and spices to taste.
- Roll the dolma tightly to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
- Cook the dolma in a pot or saucepan with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat.
- Serve the dolma hot or cold, with your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion:
Dolma is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It is a great way to use fresh grape leaves and a variety of fillings. With a little practice, you can master the art of making dolma and impress your friends and family with this traditional Iraqi dish.
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