DOLMA (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES), IRAQI-STYLE

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Dolma (Stuffed Grape Leaves), Iraqi-Style image

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

1 (16 ounce) jar grape leaves
2 lbs beef or 2 lbs lamb, minced
1 cup long-grain uncooked rice (basmati rice works best)
3/4 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pinch ground cardamom
1/2 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
2/3 cup canola oil
4 -5 carrots
water

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!

Charlton-Jon Bezuidenhout
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This recipe was easy to follow and the dolma turned out great! Thanks for sharing.


Md. Bozlur rahman
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These dolma were so flavorful and delicious! I will definitely be making them again.


Aashish Kunwar
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This was my first time making dolma, and it turned out great! The grape leaves were a bit tricky to work with, but the end result was worth it.


Selena Case
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I've been making dolma for years, and this recipe is one of the best I've tried. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the results were delicious.


yurlux slodgi
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My family loved this dish! The grape leaves were tender and flavorful, and the filling was perfectly seasoned. I will definitely be making this again.